The House of Representatives has moved forward with a bill proposing the creation of Etiti State, which would be formed from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone. This bill, which has passed its second reading, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish the new state.
Sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah (Abia), Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha (Imo), Hon. Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu), the bill addresses regional parity and administrative efficiency in the Southeast. If enacted, it would increase the number of states in the region from five to six.
During the debate, Hon. Ogah (LP, Abia) emphasized that creating Etiti State would promote balanced regional development and effective governance. He highlighted the disparity between the Southeast, which has five states, and other regions, which have at least six states. Ogah argued that this reconfiguration is long overdue and essential for equitable representation and socio-economic development.
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Ogah underscored the Southeast’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential, stating that a new state would enhance governance, resource allocation, and service delivery. He urged his colleagues to support the bill, noting that it represents a historic opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure and foster national unity.
The bill’s proponents believe that creating Etiti State will lead to more targeted development initiatives and better serve the diverse communities within the Southeast. The House will continue to deliberate on the bill, aiming to pass it and fulfill their mandate to serve the Nigerian people.
