Federal lawmaker writes INEC, calls for creation of new  constituencies in Rivers

A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Cyril Hart, who represents Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in Rivers State, has formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Constitution Review Committee of the House, calling for the establishment of two additional state constituencies in the state.

In his proposal, Hart is advocating for the creation of Degema State Constituency II and Bonny State Constituency II to improve representation for communities in the Degema and Bonny local government areas.

The request was contained in a letter dated July 7, 2025, and addressed to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu. The commission acknowledged receipt of the correspondence on July 10.

Hart referenced Section 114 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates INEC to periodically review state constituencies, with intervals not less than ten years. He also drew attention to Sections 91 and 112, which define how the number of seats in a State House of Assembly should be determined relative to a state’s representation in the National Assembly.

The lawmaker emphasized that the addition of the new constituencies would ensure better political representation and improved governance for the people of the two LGAs.

In the letter, Hart stated:  “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.”

Speaking to his constituents in a separate engagement, Hart assured them that the proposal is backed by strong constitutional justification.

“My dear constituents in Degema and Bonny local government areas, as you are aware, the National Assembly is on a constitution review and amendment process.

“I have activated section 114 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandates INEC to periodically review State Constituencies at intervals of not less than ten years.

“Also, sections 91 and 112 CFRN, which provide 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 but must not exceed forty seats/members.

“Rivers State has 13 seats in the House of Representatives and therefore should have 39 State Constituencies and NOT 32 seats as presently delineated by INEC, more than 20 years ago.

“As you can see, the House of Assembly of Rivers State is deficient of 7 seats and not in compliance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

“Therefore in the light of the above, I have requested through INEC and the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives for the creation of Degema State Constituency II, and Bonny State Constituency II.

“I’m not unaware of the bottlenecks associated with the creation of States and Constituencies. I have provided sufficient justification to support this request,” he said