By Abdulkareem Haruna


After more than four decades of persistent advocacy, the long-standing demand for the creation of Savannah State from the current Borno State received a notably positive reception this past week at the North East Zonal Senate Committee Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

A substantial gathering of supporters converged at Mohammed Indimi Hall at the University of Maiduguri, where their proposal was met with endorsements from key legislative figures.

The proposed Savannah State would encompass nine local government areas (Biu, Hawul, Askira-Uba, Chibok, Damboa, Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Gwoza, and Bayo) within the present Southern Borno Senatorial District: with Damboa as its envisioned capital.

Ambassador Dauda Danladi, leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Southern Borno Development Association, emphasized the newfound backing for their cause.

“For the first time in the history of their quest for the creation of Savannah State,” Danladi stated, “we have the blessings of the state governor under the leadership of Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, traditional institutions and the entire good people of Borno State.”

Danladi detailed the extensive history of their appeals, recalling previous submissions to the National Assembly in 1982, 1983, and 1996, as well as another attempt in 2014. “We had before now presented requests for the creation of Savannah State at various times in recent years,” he noted, expressing optimism for the current process.

“To us, this present move by your humble and esteem selves to kick-start the process of the review of the 1999 Constitution which could accommodate States, Local Government Areas and necessary boundary adjustments, is indeed a welcome stride and we pray that our submission will again receive the blessing of the National Assembly.”

The public hearing session, presided over by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC Borno North),a  Chief Whip at the Senate and Chairman of the North East Zone for the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, saw strong expressions of support. Senator Monguno, who  stood in for the Deputy President of the Senate and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau Jubrin, commended the “large and peaceful turn out” of participants. He congratulated the people of Savannah, and other agitators from other North Eastern states, assuring them that their demands “would be given the desired attention and consideration.”

Senator Monguno emphasized the significance of the ongoing review, stating that “since the nation’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999, following a prolonged period of military dictatorship, the calls for amendments and reviews to the Constitution have remained persistent and vigorous, hence the golden opportunity is now.”

The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Umar Kadafur, also expressed support, commending the National Assembly for “organizing such an opportunity for Nigerians to add their voices on the need to review the existing Constitution.”

Further reinforcing the positive response, several prominent lawmakers openly endorsed the creation of Savannah State. Former Senate President Senator Ahmed Lawan (APC Yobe State), Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC Borno South), Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi), and Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC Borno Central), among other stakeholders, “all endorsed the submission for carving out Savannah state out of present Borno, and pledged to give their maximum support to actualize the long awaited dreams.