Shehu Sani, former lawmaker from Kaduna Central Senatorial District, and some Nigerians online have described as “ironic and comical” the proposal unveiled by the House of Representatives to create newer states in the country.

The House committee on constitution review in a letter read during Thursday’s plenary session by the deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu, proposed the creation of 31 new states to complement the already existing ones.

The proposed new states are Okun, Okura and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; FCT state; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi state and Savannah state from Borno; Muri state from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna state; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi state; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South-East; Adada from Enugu, Orlu and Aba from the South-East.

Others are Ogoja from Cross River state, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

Reacting to the proposal via his X handle on Friday, Mr Sani described it as ironic and comical.

The former lawmaker accused politicians behind the proposal of attempts to “carve mini colonies for themselves”, insisting many existing states are dependent on federal allocations.

He wrote, “While many states are dependent on federal allocation for their survival, the House of Representatives proposal for 31 states is ironic and comical. Politicians just want to carve out mini colonies for themselves.”

Some Nigerians on X also slammed the proposal as unnecessary, accusing lawmakers of plots to further plunder the country’s abundant resources.

“Nigeria big pass the state of Texas? Don’t even compare Utah with Nigeria. It’s like comparing Suzuki mini bus with Chisco or The Young Shall grow big Luxury bus. I just set laugh. Our lawmakers dey Sabi think,” wrote Kingsley Monday.

Ebere Anosike said, “Nigeria is just one huge dysfunctional joke. What we need is not more states that can’t pay salaries with federal allocations, but regions to drive their own integrated economic development Left to me, we should dissolve the 36 states & 774 LGAs, and have 6 regional govts with present 109 Senatorial Zones as grassroot units. This will eliminate so much waste from our bloated governance.”

According to Gene Worifah, “Why not just create 31 more countries. As absurd as saying that Africa should be split into 5 different continents. Simply devolve power from the central government in Abuja to the states and local governments and stop unnecessary division that goes nowhere.”

Laninister Aspiration said, “It’s high-time to call out these reckless and irrational politicians. The core problem isn’t about establishing a state but rather dissolution of power. Why do Nigerian politicians seem to lack even the most basic common sense?”