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Legislators approve bill for new state in South-East |
The House of Representatives has approved the first reading of a bill that proposes the establishment of an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone.
The prospective state, to be named 'Orlu State', would have its capital in Orlu.
The bill, which aims to amend the 1999 Constitution (as revised), was introduced by the representative for Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, along with 15 co-sponsors, and is now poised for a second reading.
Should the bill be enacted, it would increase the number of states in the South-East to six, bringing the total in the nation to 37.
The draft law, shared with journalists on Thursday, reveals that the new state would be formed from parts of Imo, Abia, and Anambra states.
The proposed legislation lists the Local Government Areas to be included in the new state as Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, and Isu. Additional areas are Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, and Umuaku.
Further areas include New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, and Owerrebiri Umuowa.
The bill's sponsor appealed to his National Assembly peers for their backing to advance the bill to its second reading.
