Legal practitioner Emeka Emekesiri has stirred conversation around Nigeria’s regional structure following remarks questioning the legitimacy of the South-South designation.
Speaking during an interview on Signature TV, Emekesiri challenged the historical and geographical basis of the term, arguing that it does not align with traditional classifications. According to him, “We Have East, West, North, & South; There Is Nothing Like South-South—The Igbo Created It.”
He explained that classical geography is rooted in the four cardinal directions—East, West, North, and South—suggesting that any deviation from this framework reflects human invention rather than natural definition. In his view, labels such as South-South are products of political evolution rather than established geographic principles.
Emekesiri noted that Nigeria’s regional identities have been shaped over time by complex historical developments, including colonial legacies, administrative restructuring, and efforts to manage the country’s vast ethnic diversity. These factors, he said, contributed to the emergence of new classifications designed to address representation and governance concerns.
While acknowledging that such designations may serve administrative and political purposes, he warned that they can also spark debates about identity, ownership, and belonging among various groups. His remarks highlight ongoing tensions surrounding how Nigerians define themselves within the broader national framework.
The legal practitioner ultimately called for greater clarity in how regional terms are used, emphasising the importance of consensus in maintaining unity and understanding across the country…See More
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