Rep writes INEC, seeks creation of new constituencies in Rivers

The lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Rep. Cyril Hart, has requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the House Constitution Review Committee to create two new state constituencies in Rivers. In his letter dated July 7, 2025, and received by INEC on July 10, Hart proposed […]

The lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, Rep. Cyril Hart, has requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the House Constitution Review Committee to create two new state constituencies in Rivers.

In his letter dated July 7, 2025, and received by INEC on July 10, Hart proposed the establishment of Degema State Constituency II and Bonny State Constituency II, citing constitutional provisions that mandate periodic constituency reviews to ensure equitable representation.

The lawmaker cited Sections 91 and 112 of the Constitution, which also stipulate that a House of Assembly of a State shall consist of three or four times the number of seats which that State has in the House of Representatives.

He further said the creation of Degema State Constituency II and Bonny State Constituency II would enhance representation and service delivery for the people of Degema and Bonny local government areas.

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“I am writing to formally request the creation of a new state constituency, to be named Bonny State Constituency II, in Bonny Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. This request is made under the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Sections 91 and 112, which empower INEC to delineate constituencies to ensure equitable representation and effective governance.

“The proposed constituency aims to address the growing population, unique geographical challenges, and socio-economic needs of Bonny LGA, fostering enhanced democratic participation and representation for its residents.

“Bonny LGA, located in Rivers State, is a historically and economically significant region, hosting critical national assets such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project and serving as a hub for oil and gas activities. Despite its importance, Bonny LGA currently operates as a single state constituency, which is increasingly inadequate to meet the representational needs of its diverse and growing population.

“The creation of Bonny State Constituency II is a critical step toward ensuring equitable representation, fostering inclusive governance, and promoting sustainable development in Bonny LGA. Given INEC’s mandate to uphold democratic principles and ensure fair representation, I am confident that this request will receive the attention and action it deserves under your esteemed leadership,” the letter read.

Speaking further during an engagement with constituents from Degema and Bonny LGAs, Hart reiterated his commitment to constitutional compliance and democratic fairness:

“Rivers State should have 39 state constituencies—not the 32 currently delineated by INEC over 20 years ago. The current composition of the Rivers State House of Assembly is deficient by seven seats and is not in compliance with the Constitution.”

He acknowledged the challenges associated with constituency creation but expressed optimism:

“I’m not unaware of the bottlenecks associated with the creation of states and constituencies. However, I have provided sufficient justification to support this request.”

The request, if granted, would mark a significant step toward correcting longstanding disparities in political representation in Rivers State and enhancing democratic inclusion for the affected communities.