Amana State Movement Demands Creation of New State, Calls It Correction of Historical Injustice

The Amana State Movement has renewed its longstanding demand for the creation of a new state, “Amana State,” out of parts of Adamawa and Borno States, calling it a necessary correction of a “historical injustice” against the region.

According to a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity for the movement, Ahmad I. Sajoh, the movement made the call during the Senate Committee’s public hearing on constitutional amendment held in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the group’s leader, His Highness Alhaji Sali Bello Dan Amar Mubi, told lawmakers that the Nigerian state had failed to fulfil its promises made to the people of the area during the 1961 UN plebiscite.

“This is not an appeal or a plea, we are here to demand the correction of a breach of trust; a solemn promise broken since 1967 when the first 12 states were created in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the group, the region, which includes the Uba Chiefdom in Borno State and Mubi in Adamawa State, willingly voted to join Nigeria in a United Nations-organised plebiscite on February 11, 1961.

At the time, the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, reportedly assured the people that their region would be treated as a distinct province or state and that Mubi would enjoy the same status as other major capitals like Kano, Katsina, and Ilorin.

The Amana State Movement, however, said these pledges were never honoured.

“For over six decades, we have been marginalised, and our region has remained without the status and development it was promised. The Senate and the National Assembly now have a golden opportunity to correct this injustice and write their names in gold,” Alhaji Dan Amar Mubi stated.

The group insists that all constitutional requirements for state creation have been met, including population size, landmass, and economic viability.

It described the Amana State agitation as one of the most consistent in Nigeria’s history, with formal submissions made during every state creation exercise since 1967, including under military regimes.

Supporters of the proposed state argue that its creation would not only fulfil a long-overdue promise but also promote equity, administrative efficiency, and regional development.

The National Assembly is currently considering several constitutional amendment proposals, including calls for restructuring and the creation of new states across the country.