The Zaguru Advocacy movement (ZAM) has issued a strong statement opposing the inclusion of Bassa Local Government in Kogi State in the proposed Okura State.
Arc Amdii Amdii ZAGURU, the convener of the group, in a press statement released on Friday in Abuja emphasized that the people of Bassa have not been adequately consulted by their representatives at the National Assembly, making the inclusion unacceptable.
The group urged the Senate President and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives to recognize the long-standing marginalization of the Bassa people.
Instead of creating a new state, they advocate for a stronger federal presence to drive development in the area.
“The Bassa Local Government Area faces significant challenges, including a lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water,” the group said.
The group emphasized that creating more states will not solve these problems, but rather, legislators should focus on attracting federal projects and investments to the area.
He stated that the traditional institutions in the Local Government and the people must be adequately consulted and agreements made on several matters.
Key concerns raised included lack of consultation. The people of Bassa were not consulted about the proposed Okura State.
The group also alleged marginalization: The Bassa people have been marginalized for too long.
Prioritizing development over state creation, the group urged legislators to focus on development rather than creating a new state.
