•See list of proposed new LGAs

By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has adopted a referendum for creation of 12 more local government areas in the state in addition to the already existing 13 LGAs as a measure of bringing government closer to the people and thereby ameliorate their sufferings.

The adoption of the referendum which gained the unanimous endorsement of members of the Assembly took place during the plenary at the State Legislative Complex Nkaliki Road Abakaliki.

The proposed new local government areas include; Ikwo South and Ikwo North from Ikwo LGA, Ekumenyi from Abakaliki LGA, Ebyia from Izzi LGA and Ndiagbo from Edda LGA while Ishielu South is to be carved from the existing Ishielu LGA in the state.

Others include Akaeze, Ukaba, and Effium from Ivo, Onicha and Ohaukwu LGAs respectfully

Ezza-South, Ezza-North and Afikpo LGA are expected to produce Izzikworo, Amohai and Imoha Local Government Areas.

The referendum when gazetted would bring a total number of LGAs in the State to twenty-five and expected led to reduce the development and economic crisis of the people and equally bridge the perceived imbalance in LGA distribution in consideration of the landmass and population density in each Local Government Area.

The motion for the adoption of the request was moved by the Chief Whip of the House and a member, representing Edda West, Hon Prince Nkemka Okoro-Onuma, and was seconded by a member representing Ikwo North State Constituency, Hon Ifeanyi Nwakpu.

During the plenary, a bill for a law to establish Ebonyi State Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission passed first reading.