Ogbadibo People Reaffirm Support for Apa State, Demand New LGAs, Women’s Reserved Seats at National Constitution Review Hearing
By Nelson Ogbu
The people of Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State have reiterated their full support for the creation of Apa State, aligning with the position of the Honourable Member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Chief (Dr.) Philip Agbese.
Making their presentation at the ongoing National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution holding at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the Ogbadibo delegation restated the position earlier presented at the Zonal Hearing in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Led by Barr. John Ali Ude, a corporate governance expert, tax administrator, board advisor, and community leader, the delegation noted that the creation of Apa State remained a just and popular demand of the people of Benue South.
Beyond state creation, the delegation made additional constitutional requests aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and deepening equity within Ogbadibo. These include:
1. The reinstatement of the abolished Otukpa State Constituency, which was merged into the present Ogbadibo State Constituency.
2. The creation of Orokam Local Government Area from the current Ogbadibo LGA.
3. The creation of Owukpa Local Government Area, also from the existing Ogbadibo LGA.
According to the group, these measures would bring governance closer to the people, address long-standing structural imbalances, and ensure fairer representation.
The Ogbadibo team also lent its voice in strong support of the bill seeking to reserve seats for women in both the National and State Assemblies, describing it as a vital reform that would guarantee inclusiveness in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The delegation and other stakeholders commended Hon. Agbese for what they described as his “relentless and impactful representation,” stressing that his efforts in championing the aspirations of his people have further mobilized grassroots consensus around constitutional reforms.
Their submission at the national hearing was seen as a continuation of the growing push from Benue South for constitutional amendments that promote equity, local autonomy, and improved development outcomes.
