A bill seeking the establishment of ‘Etiti State’ from the earlier five in the Southeast passed second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday.

When created, the state will have 11 existing local government areas drawn from the five states in the region.

One of the bill’s sponsors, Amobi Ogah, said creating ‘Etiti State’ will bring the Southeast to conformity with other zones of the country.

Other sponsors of the bill are Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess C. Nnabuife and Anayo Onwuegbu

Ogah said: “It is not news that the current structure of the Southeast with just five states, as against other regions which have no fewer than six states, has been a subject of debate and advocacy for reconfiguration.

“The creation of ‘Etiti State’ is a proactive step towards aligning the region with the structural realities of other regions. Suffice to say that this is a long overdue step in the right direction to foster equitable representation, enhance governance efficiency, and promote socio-economic development within the region.

“The Southeast, with its rich cultural heritage and strategic economic potential, deserves a governance framework that optimally serves its diverse communities. The creation of ‘Etiti State’ will facilitate more targeted development initiatives, better resource allocation, and improved service delivery to the people.

“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.”

The Bill proposes specific alterations to the 1999 Constitution, such as the amendment of Section 3(1) to increase the number of states from 36 to 37 by inserting ‘Etiti’ immediately after ‘Enugu’.

The bill is also seeking consequential alterations in the First Schedule, Part I, which includes — carving out 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; and designation of Lokpanta as the capital city of ‘Etiti State’.

Ogah stressed that the creation of ‘Etiti State represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our federal structure, empower our communities, and foster national unity’. (The Nation)