By Jonathan Lois
A Bill for the creation of Etiti State from the present day Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.
The Bill is sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah and co-sponsored Hon. Miriam O. Onuoha, Hon. Kama Nkemkama, Hon. Princess C. Nnabuife and Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu
Leading the debate on the general principles of the debate, Ogah said the Bill seeks to address a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
He said 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 geopolitical zone to six.
He said, “Today marks a significant moment in our legislative history as we 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. This Bill seeks to address a 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 south east geopolitical zone to six.
“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.”
On the rationale for the creation of the new state, he said 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.
He said 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 Southeast, 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,” he said.
In the hey amendments to the Bill, he said, “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 the creation of Etiti State represents a unique opportunity to strengthen the federal structure, empower our communities, and foster national unity.
“As we deliberate on this historic Bill, let us remain guided by the imperative of fairness, efficiency, and progress. 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.
“Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Colleagues, 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,” he said.
