The Adada State Movement has made a compelling case for creating Adada State from Enugu State.
During the Thursday Senate public hearing in Enugu, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and former Minister of Information, led the presentation before senators, emphasising the demand’s competence and constitutional validity.
Nwodo, backed by historical data and extensive research, captivated the senators and a distinguished audience, including traditional rulers and prominent citizens.
The media director of the Adada State Movement, Mr. Ike Abonyi, explained in a statement to the journalists over the weekend that the agitation dates back to the General Yakubu Gowon era in 1970.
Nwodo told the Senate that the proposed Adada State is the most qualified among the South East demands. It meets all constitutional provisions under Section 8(1) for state creation, including the required support from legislators representing the area.
Chairman of the Movement, Chief James Ugwu, revealed that General Gowon was first presented with the call for Adada State shortly after the Nigerian Civil War in 1970.
During the hearing, Nwodo highlighted the long-standing imbalance in Igbo land, noting that while southern Igbo areas have three states, the northern Igbo region—comprising Enugu and Ebonyi—has fewer. “When you share things among your children and there is no equity, you bring anger and desperation,” he said.
He added, “Adada State has seven out of Enugu’s 17 local governments and accounts for over 54 per cent of the state’s population but remains underrepresented.”
Nwodo recalled that Adada State was the only state recommended for creation by the 2014 constitutional conference and described it as the “most viable prospective state in the South East with abundant human and natural resources.”
He further stressed the economic potential of the proposed state, pointing to oil and gas reserves, vast agricultural land, and educational institutions.
Chief Ugwu emphasised that creating Adada State would correct internal imbalances within Igbo land and external disparities with other Nigerian regions.
The senator representing Enugu North in the National Assembly, Okey Ezea, stated that Adada remains the only Nigerian province yet to be made a state and praised the movement for meeting constitutional provisions.
He affirmed that the proposal meets the constitutional requirements and recommended its approval by the National Assembly.
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