The bill to establish another state in the Southeast area has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
It proposes the formation of Etiti State from the five South-Eastern states and was sponsored by Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia), Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo), Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (YPP, Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (LP, Enugu).
According to Ogah, the measure seeks to solve the long-standing issue of regional equalisation and administrative efficiency in the South-East zone. It intends to form the state from Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Enugu.
During the plenary on Thursday, the bill advanced to the next stage without debate from the lawmakers.
When the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, put the bill to a voice vote, the lawmakers voted in favour.
The Speaker subsequently referred the bill to the Committee on Constitution Review for further consideration.
Challenges Ahead
Thursday’s development is part of ongoing efforts to create another state in the South-East, which currently has the fewest number of states – five.
Except for the North-West, which has seven states, other regions in the country – South-West, South-South, North-East, and North-Central – have six states each.
However, the bill faces competition from another sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), which aims to create Orlu State.
Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta) is also considering sponsoring a bill to create Anioma State from the present Delta State (in South-South), which would be added to the South-East region.