Reps plan public hearing on bill seeking new S’East state

A bill seeking the creation of Etiti State in the South-East passed the second reading on Thursday in the House of Representatives.

The House at this stage is set to hold a public hearing on the bill, before returning it for a third and final reading ahead of passage and concurrence of the Senate.

The proposed legislation titled “A bill for an Act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the creation of Etiti State out of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Enugu and Imo States and for Related Matters” was sponsored by the member representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, Amobi Ogah, and four others.

Introducing the bill, a member of the Labour Party said it was aimed at addressing a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the South-East geo-political 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 geo-political zone to six,” Ogah said.

 He said the proposed establishment of Etiti State was 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 in this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals,” he said.

Justifying the creation of another state in the South-East region, Amobi said, “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 five 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 South-East, 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.”

 The bill is seeking an amendment to Section 3(1) of the 1999 Constitution 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, include “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.”

 Lobbying for support from his colleagues, the lawmaker urged them to be guided by the imperative of fairness, efficiency, and progress, stressing that “The creation of Etiti State represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our federal structure, empower our communities, and foster national unity.  I urge all honourable members to support this bill, which promises to reshape the socio-political landscape of the Southeast for the betterment of all.

“I therefore urge us all to thoughtfully consider and swiftly pass this important constitution alteration bill.  Let us seize this moment to make history and fulfil our mandate to serve the best interests of the Nigerian people.”

Currently, there are two other bills at the National Assembly seeking the creation of more states in the South-East.