South East map
A bill seeking the creation of Etiti State in the South-East passed the second reading on Thursday in the House of Representatives.
The House at this stage is set to hold a public hearing on the bill, before returning it for a third and final reading ahead of passage and concurrence of the Senate.
The proposed legislation 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, Enugu and Imo States and for Related Matters” was sponsored by the member representing Isuikwato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, Amobi Ogah, and four others.
Introducing the bill, a member of the Labour Party said it was aimed at addressing a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the South-East geo-political 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 geo-political zone to six,” Ogah said.
He said the proposed establishment of Etiti State was 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 in this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals,” he said. Punch
