A bill seeking the creation of Etiti State in the South East geopolitical zone has scaled second reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill which was sponsored by Rep Amobi Godwin and co-sponsored by Miriam O. Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife and Anayo Onwuegbu, is seeking the creation of the state out of existing Abia Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.

Leading debate on the bill, Rep Ogah said the bill seeks to address a longstanding issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the Southeast geopolitical zone.

“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 geopolitical zone to six.

“The establishment of Etiti State is 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 to this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals”, he said.

He said the current structure of the Southeast region with just five states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—is against other regions of the country which have no fewer than six states, saying it has been a subject of debate and advocacy for reconfiguration.

He said the creation of Etiti State is a proactive step towards aligning the region with the structural realities of its other 5 sister regions in the country.

The bill is proposing thecarving out of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs from Abia; Orumba North and Orumba South LGAs from Anambra; Ivo and Ohaozara LGAs from Ebonyi; Aninri, Awgu and Oji River LGAs from Enugu; and Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs from Imo States to form the new Etiti State.

The bill proposed Lokpanta as the capital cityof Etiti State. (Daily Trust)