The House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill proposing the creation of Etiti State from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
This bill passed its second reading on Thursday.
The bill, 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),” aims to improve regional balance and administrative efficiency in the Southeast geopolitical zone.
The bill is 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). It seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create Etiti State, increasing the number of states in the Southeast from five to six.
Hon. Ogah (LP, Abia) led the debate, emphasizing that creating Etiti State is essential for balanced regional development and effective governance. He stated, “The establishment of Etiti State is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance.”
He highlighted that the current structure of the Southeast, with only five states compared to other regions with at least six, has been a long-standing issue. “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. 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.”
Hon. Ogah pointed out that the Southeast’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential deserve a governance framework that serves its diverse communities optimally. He explained, “The creation of Etiti State will facilitate more targeted development initiatives, better resource allocation, and improved service delivery to the people.”
He urged all members to support the bill, saying, “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.”
In closing, he called for swift passage of the bill, stating, “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. Let us seize this moment to make history and fulfill our mandate to serve the best interests of the Nigerian people.”
