Bill to establish new South-East state scales second reading at House of Reps

A bill proposing the establishment of a new state in southeast region of Nigeria has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, co-sponsored by lawmakers Amobi Ogah (Abia), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu), seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a new state.

The new state, named Etiti, would encompass parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, with Lokpanta as its capital.

Etiti would include 11 local government areas: Aninri, Awgu, Isuikwuato, Ivo, Oji-River, Ohaozara, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Umu-Nneochi.

In presenting the bill, Ogah emphasized the necessity for regional parity and administrative efficiency within the south-east.

He stated, “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 and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals.

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 bill was approved by a voice vote led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and was first introduced on July 2.

In related news, the Senate has also introduced a bill to create a new state, Tiga, from Kano. The national assembly is currently undergoing a process to amend the 1999 Constitution, with a target completion date of December 2025, as stated by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Creating a new state requires meeting stringent constitutional requirements. According to Section 8(1) of the constitution, a new state can only be established if it garners support from at least two-thirds of the members representing the concerned area in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as in the House of Assembly and local government councils of the area.

This proposal must also pass a referendum with at least two-thirds majority support from the area’s residents and be approved by a simple majority of all states’ Houses of Assembly members. Finally, it needs a two-thirds majority resolution in each House of the National Assembly.

No new state has been created in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999.