At the recently held North West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Kano, various groups from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States submitted memoranda advocating for the creation of new states, alongside critical calls for judicial reform from the Magistrates Association of Nigeria.
The two-day hearing, chaired by Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, witnessed passionate presentations aimed at addressing historical grievances and promoting equitable governance in the region.
In Kano State, there were strong agitations for the creation of Tiga and Ghari states. Advocates argued that with Kano’s enormous population and economic significance, creating additional states would ease administrative pressure, improve development distribution, and deepen democratic participation.
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From Jigawa State, proponents called for the creation of Hadejia State, citing the area’s historical relevance, population density, and governance potential as key justifications. According to the agitators, the move would foster grassroots development and regional identity.
In Kaduna State, stakeholders advocated for the creation of Gurara and New Kaduna states. Barrister Mark Jacob, representing the Gurara agitators, noted that the proposal meets all constitutional requirements and enjoys support across political and ethnic divides. He emphasized the region’s resource endowment and manpower capacity as strong indicators of viability.
Katsina State saw renewed campaigns for the creation of Bayajidda and Karaduwa states. Proponents pointed to the landmass and population strength of the proposed Karaduwa State, which encompasses 11 local government areas. They argued that the new state would boost agricultural development, strengthen security, and bring government closer to the people.
Beyond state creation, the Magistrates Association of Nigeria submitted a memorandum demanding full constitutional recognition for magistrates as judicial officers. The association lamented their continued exclusion from key judicial reforms, despite handling over 90 percent of criminal and civil matters across the country.
Signed by its National President, Saidu Safiyanu Umar, the memorandum criticized the classification of magistrates as civil servants, despite their judicial role and legal qualifications. The group called for the amendment of Section 318 of the Constitution to formally recognize magistrates, an extension of their retirement age to 70, and the establishment of a pension and gratuity structure specific to them.
The association argued that such changes would bring uniformity in the justice system, elevate the status of magistrates, and reduce corruption at the lower court level. It also highlighted the exclusion of magistrates from recent judicial welfare reforms signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In response, Senator Barau commended all presenters for their commitment to constitutional development and assured that all proposals would receive fair consideration by the committee.
