The Conference, on Thursday, approved the creation of 18 additional states across the country as a way of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
The delegates also unanimously accepted the recommendation for the creation of an additional state for the south-east zone to put it at par with other zones of the country.
But delegates from the north have rejected it, saying, “There was no sense in creating a state without population and land mass among factors being put for recognition”.
The spokesman of the group, Mr Anthony Sani, told our correspondent in Kaduna that “the Northern Delegates Forum is not opposed to the creation of additional states provided they meet the requirements set up by the creating authority”.
“What is disagreeable to Northern Forum is the demand by south-east that a state be given without meeting set criteria, but on equality without equity.
“We believe states as federating units, apart from allaying the fear of minority and giving them a say in the management of the Nigerian project, are not strong enough to undermine the centre. Hence, states as federating units, if properly managed, can further the cause of a strong and united Nigeria.
“And since they are created for human beings and land mass has something to do with their development, we see no wisdom in excluding population and land mass among the factors to be considered in the creation exercise.
“In a diverse society like Nigeria, there must be standard ways of governing the country and not to pander to agitations which would always be there anyway,” he said.
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