Southeast To Get Another State As Lawmakers Pass Bill

The southeast geo-political zone is set to get an additional state as federal lawmakers pass a bill seeking to make that happen.

The bill proposing the creation of an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone passed its first reading in the House of Representatives. The new state, if established, will be known as ‘Orlu State,’ with its capital in Orlu.

Sponsored by Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, along with 15 others, the bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution. It is currently awaiting its second reading.

If passed, the bill would increase the number of states in the South-East to six, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to 37.

According to the proposed legislation, Orlu State will be carved out from parts of Imo, Abia, and Anambra. The Local Government Areas included in the proposed state are Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku, New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, and Owerrebiri Umuowa.

Ugochinyere told newsmen that if Orlu State is created, Ideato would become a senatorial district. He urged his colleagues in the National Assembly to support the bill to ensure it passes the second reading.