The House has advanced a bill to create an additional state in the south-east geopolitical zone so as to address the imbalance in the country
A bill seeking the creation of Etiti state from the five states in the south-east geo-political zone scaled through second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The proposed new state would encompass 11 existing local government areas from the region.
The piece of legislation is sponsored by Rep. Godwin Ameobi Ogah and co-sponsored by Rep. Miriam O. Onuoha (APC, Imo), Rep. Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi ), Rep. Princess C. Nnabuife (YPP, Anambra), and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu (PDP, Enugu).
Leading the debate, Rep. Ogah (LP, Abia) explained that the creation of the state would balance the gap between the southeast and other zones of the country.
According to him, “this bill proposes specific alterations to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as follows: The amendment of Section 3(1) to increase the number of states from thirty-six to thirty-seven by inserting “Etiti” immediately after “Enugu”. Consequential alterations in the First Schedule, Part I, which includes Carving out Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs from Abia; Orumba North and Orumba South LGAs from Anambra; Ivo and Ohaozara LGAs from Ebonyi; Aninri, Awgu and Oji River LGAs from Enugu; and Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs from Imo States to form the new Etiti State; and designation of Lokpanta as the capital city of Etiti State.”
Ogah emphasised that, “the creation of Etiti State out of the existing states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo is to address a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It proposes an alteration to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to accommodate the creation of Etiti State, thereby increasing the number of states in the south east geopolitical zone to six.
“The establishment of Etiti state is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance. It responds to the aspirations of the people of a very important region to this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals.”
The lawmaker further pointed out that “it is not news that the current structure of the south-east region with just five states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—as against other regions of the country which have no fewer than six states, has been a subject of debate and advocacy for reconfiguration. The creation of Etiti state is a proactive step towards aligning the region with the structural realities of its other 5 sister regions in the country. Suffice it to say that is a long overdue step in the right direction to foster equitable representation, enhance governance efficiency, and promote socio-economic development within the region. Let us bear in mind that the Southeast, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic economic potential, deserves a governance framework that optimally serves its diverse communities.
“The creation of Etiti State will facilitate more targeted development initiatives, better resource allocation, and improved service delivery to the people”, he stated.
The bill was unanimously adopted when the presiding officer, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the question as “ayes” carried the day.
