18
May
May
OKPE UNION PROPOSES 15 HOMOGENEOUS ETHNIC-BASED STATES FOR NIGERIA
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
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- 2 min read
The Okpe Union, Nigeria’s oldest registered ethnic nationality organization, has recommended a restructuring of the country’s federal system. Established on May 16, 1930, and registered on December 13, 1934, the union proposes the creation of 15 homogeneous federating states based on the country’s most populous ethnic nationalities with contiguous boundaries. According to Prof. Igho Natufe, President-General of the Okpe Union, “As a framework for a restructured federal Nigeria, we propose the creation of homogeneous federating states for the 15 most populous ethnic nationalities that have contiguous boundaries, respectively.” These states would be based on ethnic groups such as Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Kanuri, Ibibio, Okpe, and Tiv. The union’s proposal is part of its call for a broader reform of Nigeria’s governance structure. Natufe reiterated the union’s demand for state police, restoration of true federalism, and good governance. He also emphasized the need for a credible national population census, utilizing the best technology to ensure the exercise commands national confidence. Furthermore, the union urged the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collaborate in reviewing the country’s electoral laws and regulations. “We urge both bodies to ensure that the votes of Nigerians in all parts of the country would truly count in the 2027 presidential elections,” Natufe said. The Okpe Union also stressed the importance of good governance in improving citizens’ welfare and stabilizing the Nigerian polity. “It is with good governance, which in turn translates to improved well-being of the people that increases confidence the people will have in the democratic process,” Natufe noted. In addition to its national proposals, the Okpe Union aims to strengthen the Okpe nation by addressing educational deficits among its people. To achieve this, the union plans to promote the teaching of the Okpe language in primary and post-primary educational institutions, including private schools. The use of the Okpe language in places of worship within Okpe, Delta State, will also be encouraged.
