Senator Buba Debunks Reports of New States Creation, Renews Call for More LGAs in Bauchi South
By Abdulwahab Muhammad BauchÃ
Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has dismissed recent media reports claiming that the Senate approved the creation of 12 new states, describing the information as false, misleading, and baseless.
In a firm rebuttal, Senator Buba clarified that no such approval has been granted by the National Assembly. Instead, he reiterated his earlier advocacy for the creation of 10 additional local government areas (LGAs) in Bauchi South to address the challenges of population growth and landmass.
“Toro, Alkaleri, and Bauchi LGAs are among the largest in Nigeria in both size and population. Toro alone is almost the size of a southern state,” he said.
Senator Buba explained that specific proposals for the creation of new LGAs have been formally submitted from various parts of his district:
- Toro LGA: Proposals for Lame and Jama’a LGAs
- Bauchi LGA: Requests for Galambi, Birshi, Zungur, and Bauchi Munsifa LGAs
- Alkaleri LGA: Proposals for Gwana and Yankari LGAs
- Tafawa Balewa LGA: Requests for Lere North, Lere South, and Bula LGAs
He further disclosed that a technical report chaired by former Minister of Justice, Hon. Ibrahim Umar, has also recommended the creation of new federal wards across the senatorial district.
While acknowledging the complexities involved in constitutional amendments, Senator Buba insisted that expanding local governance is long overdue.
“Nigeria has 36 states and 774 LGAs. Any addition will require a rigorous constitutional process involving the National Assembly, state assemblies, the judiciary, and presidential assent.”
Despite the hurdles, Senator Buba argued that the rising population—now exceeding 250 million—warrants urgent restructuring of administrative units, especially in the North, to bring governance closer to the people.
Emd