Makurdi — Senate president David Mark yesterday said the realization of the proposed Apa State out of the existing Benue State would become a reality sooner than expected.

Mark said those, who argued against the creation of more states in the country, need to present convincing views other than the mere economic reasons which is often the basis of their debate.

"Apa State with Otukpo as its proposed capital started as a dream but might become a reality sooner than expected", he said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 57th meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) held at Otukpo, Mark publicly declared his support for the creation of additional states in the country.

He said the birth of such new states would bring governance closer to the doorstep of the people who would in turn reap more dividends of democracy just as he cited instance with Otukpo as a fast growing town.

"There are places in Nigeria that are moving with the tides but are not yet captured in the nation's developmental strides", Mark added.