A bill seeking to create a new state in the south-east geopolitical zone has passed second reading at the house of representatives.
The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by three
lawmakers from the region — Amobi Ogah (Abia), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Kama
Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu) —
scaled a second reading during plenary on Thursday.
The lawmakers are proposing to alter the 1999 Constitution
to create a new state from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
The new state will be known as Etiti, with Lokpanta as its
capital.
The state will have 11 LGAs: Aninri, Awgu, Isuikwuato, Ivo,
Oji-River, Ohaozara, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orumba north, Orumba south, and
Umu-Nneochi.
In his legislative brief, Ogah said the bill seeks to
address a “longstanding” issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency
within the south-east.
“The establishment of
Etiti state is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step
towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance,” Ogah
said.
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“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.
“Suffice it to say that it is a long overdue step in the
right direction to foster equitable representation, enhance governance
efficiency, and promote socio-economic development within the region.”
The bill was voted for when it was put to a voice vote by
Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.
The bill was read for the first time on July 2.
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On Thursday, the senate also introduced a bill seeking to
create Tiga, a new state, from Kano.
LEGISLATIVE HURDLES
The national assembly is currently amending the 1999
Constitution.
In January, Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of
representatives, said work on the amendment of the constitution would be
completed in December 2025.
Requirements for state creation and boundary adjustments are
among the most challenging provisions in a constitutional amendment process.
Section 8(1) of the constitution stipulates that a new state
can only be created if it is supported by “at least two-thirds majority of
members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new state) in each
of the following, namely — “(i) the Senate and the House of Representatives.
(ii) the House of Assembly in respect of the area”.
“(iii) And the local
government councils in respect of the area is received by the National
Assembly; (b) a proposal for the creation of the State is thereafter approved
in a referendum by at least two-thirds majority of the people of the area where
the demand for the creation of the state originated.
“(c) The result of the referendum is then approved by a
simple majority of all the states of the Federation, supported by a simple
majority of members of the Houses of Assembly.
“(d) The proposal is
approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of each
House of the National Assembly.”
No state has been created since Nigeria returned to
democratic rule in 1999.
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