Savannah State creation gains momentum at North-East constitutional review hearing in Maiduguri  

The decades-long agitation for the creation of Savannah State out of present-day Borno received renewed momentum as supporters turned out in large numbers at the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held at Mohammed Indimi Hall, University of Maiduguri.

Savannah State, as proposed, would comprise nine local government areas from Southern Borno Senatorial District: Biu, Hawul, Askira-Uba, Chibok, Damboa, Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Gwoza, and Bayo. Advocates also presented a memorandum seeking the creation of 14 additional local government areas within the region.

Chairing the hearing on behalf of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), who represented the Deputy Senate President and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau Jubrin, praised the peaceful turnout and active participation. He assured that all submissions on key national issues—including state creation, devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and legislative independence—would receive due consideration.

Senator Monguno emphasized the importance of the current constitutional review process, describing it as a historic opportunity for Nigerians to shape the nation’s future, especially after years of persistent calls for reforms since the return to democracy in 1999.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Umar Kadafur, officially declared the session open and applauded the National Assembly for creating a platform for inclusive dialogue. He reaffirmed the state government’s support for the exercise and all participating stakeholders.

Ambassador Dauda Danladi, mni, Chairman of the Southern Borno Development Association, led the presentation of the formal memorandum for the creation of Savannah State. He highlighted that for the first time, their demand had the full backing of the state governor, traditional institutions, and the broader Borno populace.

“Our request dates back to 1982, with repeated submissions in 1983, 1996, and 2014. Today, we formally present our call for the creation of Savannah State, with Damboa as its proposed capital. We trust this effort will finally receive the blessing of the National Assembly,” Danladi stated.

The proposal received strong endorsements from key lawmakers, including former Senate President Ahmed Lawan (APC, Yobe), Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi), Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), and others, who pledged their full support toward actualizing the long-standing dream of Savannah State.