The Coalition of Funtua Community-Based Organisations has formally called for the creation of a new state to be carved out of Katsina State, proposing that it be named Karadua State.
The demand was made on Monday afternoon during a town hall meeting on the ongoing constitutional amendment process. The event, held at the State Secretariat in Katsina, was part of a public hearing on proposed changes to the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The coalition, which consists of grassroots stakeholders, development actors, and civil society advocates, submitted a memorandum urging that the proposed state be situated in the Funtua Senatorial Zone. They also recommended the establishment of additional local government areas to better reflect the region’s population, geographical spread, and administrative needs.
In presenting the group’s position, the vice-chairman, Engr. Tukur Lawal, stated that the creation of Karadua State would significantly enhance governance in the region.
“Specifically, we propose the creation of Karadua State from the present Katsina South Senatorial Zone (also known as the Funtua Zone), comprising the following 11 Local Government Areas:
“Funtua, Bakori, Malumfashi, Kafur, Danja, Kankara, Sabuwa, Dandume, Faskari, Musawa, Matazu.
” Furthermore, in line with the constitutional requirement of creating viable administrative units, we propose the creation of additional local government areas to reflect current population size, geographic spread, and administrative demands.
“The formation of Karadua State will bring governance closer to the people; facilitate equitable resource allocation and infrastructural development; enhance political participation and representation; reduce marginalisation and improve security coordination at the grassroots.
“This request aligns with the spirit of federalism and supports national calls for restructuring to ensure balanced development across all zones,” the group added.
Responding during the session, the chairman of the public hearing committee, Senator Ibrahim Ida, acknowledged the presentation and noted that the committee was gathering similar input from other stakeholders across the state.
Ida said the views from all three senatorial districts in Katsina would be consolidated and forwarded to the Senate Committee for the Northwest Zone, which is expected to convene shortly in Kano State.
