By CHARLES IWUOHA

Youth wing of apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has described as unacceptable the proposal to create Orlu State out of the present Imo State.

It could be recalled that the bill, sponsored by Hon Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, member representing Ideato south/ North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has already passed first reading.

Briefing journalists in Enugu on Thursday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged the National Assembly to jettison any plan to create Orlu State.

Okwu, who described it as an invitation to chaos in the South-East, said it negates the spirit of equity and justice.

He said whereas the South-East was desirous of an additional state to be at par with other regions, the proponents of Orlu State were championing a selfish and divisive agenda, which would only worsen the cries of marginalisation in the zone.

According to him, “The National Confab report, which was endorsed by Nigerians from across the country remains a guide towards the total reform of Nigeria, including state creation.

“In that report, there was a clear mention of Etiti State, which has a representation of every part of the South-East. There is nothing like Orlu State in the Confab report.

“The proposed Etiti State encompasses parts of all the 5 existing states of the South East.

“They include: Orumba South, Orumba North (Anambra); Awgu, Aninri, Oji River (Enugu); Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ivo (Ebonyi), Ehime Mbano, Okigwe, Onuimo (Imo), as well as Umunneochi and Isuikwuato (Abia).

“It is, therefore, unthinkable for anyone to wake up one day and plot to thwart the general interest of the South-East in pursuit of a selfish agenda.”

Okwu cautioned that the rejection the said Orlu State had already received was a clear indication that “it is self-serving, lacks inclusivity, and proper consultation.

“We urge the National Assembly not to drag itself into such a legislation that is capable of setting the South-East on fire.

“It should rather channel its energy towards the creation of Etiti State, which is long overdue, and in doing so, posterity will judge them fairly.

“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide equally calls on the sponsor of the bill to withdraw it from further legislative action as it is not only provocative but incendiary.”