Five members of the House of Representatives representing five federal constituencies in the Southeast region have called for the passage into law a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State from the Southeast geo-political zone of Nigeria.
The Bill 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 And Imo States; And For Related Matters” is sponsored by Reps. Amobi Godwin Ogah (Abia, LP), Miriam O.Onuoha (Imo, APC), Kama Nkemkama (Ebony, LP), Clara Nnabuuife (Anambra, YPP) and Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu, PDP).
Leading the debate on the bill, Amobi Godwin Ogah said that “today marks a significant moment in the nation’s legislative history as they gather to deliberate on a very important constitutional amendment—the creation of Etiti State out of the existing states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.”
He said that the proposed legislation when passed into law seeks to address the 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 southeast geopolitical zone to six” he said.
The lawmaker also noted that 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” Ogah said.
Equity and balance
On the rationale for the creation of Etiti State out of five states, he said 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 he submitted is a proactive step towards aligning the region with the structural realities of its other five sister regions in the country.
The lawmaker insisted that it is long overdue and a step in the right direction in fostering equitable representation, enhancing governance efficiency, and promoting socio-economic development within the region.
He also argued that the Southeast, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic economic potential deserves a governance framework that optimally serves its diverse communities.
He added that the creation of Etiti State will facilitate more targeted development initiatives, better resource allocation, and improved service delivery to the people.
“Specifically, 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” he said.
Ogah urged other members of the green chamber of the National Assembly to support the historic Bill. He appealed to them to remain guided by the imperative of fairness, efficiency, and progress.
According to him, 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 fulfill our mandate to serve the best interests of the Nigerian people” he said.
Consequently, the House presided over by the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas passed the bill for second reading.
The House presiding officer also committed the bill to the House Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for further legislative input.
Emmanuel Ukoh
