Maiduguri, Nigeria – A long-standing demand for the creation of “Amana State” gained renewed momentum today as a delegation led by His Royal Highness Alhaji Sali Bello Dan Amar Mubi, the Chief of Adamawa, presented their case to the Senate Committee on constitutional amendment.

The appeal was made during a Zonal Public Hearing on the review of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, held in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.


The Amana State movement is advocating for a new state to be carved out of the current Adamawa State and the Uba Chiefdom of Borno State, citing a “historical injustice meted on the area by the Nigerian State.”


According to the group, the demand stems from a perceived breach of trust by the Nigerian government following a United Nations-conducted plebiscite on February 11, 1961. They claim that residents of the area willingly voted to join Nigeria based on pledges from the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and other Nigerian government representatives. These promises, the group asserts, included the area remaining a distinct entity as a province or state within Nigeria, and that Mubi, the capital city, would maintain equal status to other regional capitals like Kano, Katsina, and Ilorin.


His Highness Alhaji Sali Bello Dan Amar Mubi, speaking at the public hearing, stated that both promises were breached as early as 1967 when Nigeria’s first 12 states were created.

“We came here as a delegation not to beg or just try to plead for the creation of an Amana State, rather we are here to demand for the correction of a historical injustice done to an area that suffered injustice and a breach of a solemn promise by the Nigerian State,” he asserted.


The Amana State movement contends that they have met all constitutional criteria for state creation, including requirements for population, landmass, economic potential, and sustainability.


Addressing the Nigerian Senate directly, the elder statesman urged the current National Assembly to “write their name in Gold” by rectifying this “gross historical injustice.” He concluded by expressing hope: “May you be the instrument God will use to correct this historical injustice.”


The agitation for an Amana State is described by the movement as one of Nigeria’s most consistent, dating back to May 1967. The group has reportedly presented their request during every state creation exercise since then, including under various military regimes.