South-East Nears 6 States As Etiti Creation Bill Passes Second Reading

Hope is rising for the Southeast geopolitical zone to have at least six states like its other counterparts across the country. The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State for a second reading.

The piece of legislation which scaled through the debate stage at plenary on Thursday, titled; “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 and Imo States and for Related Matters (HB. 1525).

The bill, sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah (Abia), Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha (Imo), Hon. Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu), seeks to address a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the Southeast geopolitical zone.

It proposes altering the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to accommodate the creation of Etiti State, thereby increasing the number of states in the Southeast geopolitical zone from five to six.

Leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, Hon. Ogah (LP, Abia) said the establishment of Etiti State was not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance.

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The lawmaker said it responded to the aspirations of the people of a very important region to the country and aligned with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in the country’s democratic ideals.

“Mr Speaker, distinguished colleagues, it is not news that the current structure of the Southeast 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. 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 remember that the Southeast, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic economic potential, deserves a governance framework that optimally serves its diverse communities,” he said.