SapeleGuy:

Let's put the concept of self determination into context. In the beginning, we had ethnic plurality, then came colonisation, then external self determination i.e. freedom from the colonial master, then internal colonisation vis a vis 3 main ethnicities/ regions, then the first attempt at internal self determination via the creation of the mid west region and the creation of Rivers and other states since.

We have to ask why were these states created in the first place? Does the original need still exist?
Can we honestly say that the process of internal self determination has peaked or is anywhere near doing so?

debosky:

Correction - the Mid-West State Region was a deliberate attempt to weaken the South West Region's perceived strength/ influence.

Secondly, the creation of states did NOT stop any perceived 'colonisation' by the big 3, since they were created by the Military who appointed state administrators by whim, not by ethnicity.

The states were created out of a mixture of political fiat, opportunistic lobbying of powers that be and a misguided notion that creation of a state leads to development. By creating states, the military kept certain groups distracted and helped them gain credibility while the pillaging of the country continued.

However, there are numerous examples that show that state creation doesn't achieve that - take Bayelsa state for example. The power turbine built there in the 80's when it was part of Rivers was the only power generation supply there for a long time, even after the state was 'created'.

What is needed is a structure that permits constituent groups to participate in the running of their affairs and the rest of the country. State creation has failed to do that and the very idea that creating more will lead to self determination is flawed.

SapeleGuy:

You over play the strength of the western region by not giving credit to some very influential mid western figures like Okotie-Eboh, Jereton Mariere, Enahoro and Oba Akenzua to name a few who all fought for its creation. I remind you that mid west state is the first and last state to be created democratically in Nigeria.

Your second point is an issue of accountability or lack of it - which can't be attributed to state creation. In a country where ethnicity plays such a strong part, every attempt must be made to create a level playing field. All ethnicities should be free to pursue their own development.

Why don't we have a referendum?

4 Play:

If creating states solves problems, then Nigeria would have been a much better place since the number of states has multiplied tremendously.
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Thank you my Brother.

Abagworo:

dont let yourself be used.ethnicity is a thing of the poor masses and not the ruling class.even if you create a state which consists of only urhobo,neo-ethnic groups will spring up and you will discover that not all urhobos are thesame.those urhobos that really have the oil in their land would still feel cheated by those that dont have.look at igbo ethnic group for example and see how oil has created new ethnic groups out of the larger igbo.imao states should be reduced in nigeria and LGAs scrapped.

SapeleGuy:

You over play the strength of the western region by not giving credit to some very influential mid western figures like Okotie-Eboh, Jereton Mariere, Enahoro and Oba Akenzua to name a few who all fought for its creation. I remind you that mid west state is the first and last state to be created democratically in Nigeria.

Your second point is an issue of accountability or lack of it - which can't be attributed to state creation. In a country where ethnicity plays such a strong part, every attempt must be made to create a level playing field. All ethnicities should be free to pursue their own development.

Why don't we have a referendum?

Chefo:

My nairalanders all these grammar wen Ibru de blow no bi because crude oil dey there ego soon finish na then urhobo go scatter abeg remember to include my own ishekpe state.  United we stand divided we fall. 

Outstrip:

when has resources ever been the problem in Nigeria

man smith:

tribal bases should not be a yard stick for state creation

SapeleGuy:


The Urhobo's are merely trying to establish their pre colonial sovereignty, all ethnicities who want to do this should be allowed to do so.

Benuromi:

We have not manage the state we have at the moment, some people are talking about creation of another state. then i think every street in Nigeria will be looking for Independence state. If that is the case, i will support UROMI STATE, after that, then i will support creation of my village from uromi state ; . Please, those supporting the creation of state should wake up and see the reality of what will solve the problems of Nigeria and not adding salt to injuring. Long live Nigeria. God bless Nigeria.

KnowAll:

The state is over due, but that name does not do justice to the area calling it Urobo State might lead to resentment in some quarters, how are the Isekeris to take it, I think the name Delta State must be retained and the Asaba area should be called Anioma State.

debosky:

Since the discovery of oil in the 50's and the decline of agriculture. . . .let's face it: if not for the oil Nigeria would likely have disintegrated by now.

Outstrip:

My point is that listing all the resources is not a good point. Nigeria has always had resources but Nigeria has no idea what to do with it. In fact I have a feeling that if pounds fell from the sky in Nigeria we still will not know how to use it to better that country

duality:

urhobo state. funny

urhobo wayooo!