Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, has provided detailed insights into his proposal for the creation of Etiti State. This initiative aims to bring parity to the South East geo-political zone by adding an additional state.
Rep Ogah, a Labour Party member, emphasized that Etiti State would benefit all five existing states in the zone, unlike other proposals that might favor a single state. Speaking to Vanguard, Ogah highlighted the widespread support for Etiti State among South East representatives in the House of Representatives.
Ogah stated, “The creation of an additional state for the South East is about equality. Each state will contribute Local Government Areas (LGAs) to form Etiti State, ensuring no state is shortchanged.” The proposed Etiti State would include LGAs from Abia, Imo, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu states.
He urged Ndigbo at home and abroad to prioritize collective benefits over personal gains to achieve this goal.
Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, a former Minister for Education, supported Ogah’s sentiments, referencing the 2005 and 2014 Constitutional Conferences, which had already reached a consensus on creating a parity state for the South East. He advised revisiting these reports to guide current efforts.
Madubuike stated, “For meaningful progress, they should refer to the confab reports. Both Obasanjo’s and Jonathan’s conferences agreed on a parity state, recommending the creation of Etiti State.”
Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit, also endorsed Etiti State, calling it “more encompassing and reasonable” compared to other proposals. He noted, however, that the proposed Anioma State should be considered as a seventh state for the South South due to its economic significance.
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Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasized the urgency of uniting behind a single proposal to avoid missing the opportunity to address longstanding marginalization. He supported the creation of Aba State but stressed unity in the overall goal.
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Chairman of the Nigeria Delta Development Commission, advocated for wider consultations among stakeholders and alignment with Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s forthcoming position on restructuring.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, called for unity among Igbo National Assembly members to reach a consensus on the matter, ensuring a united front.
Archbishop Raphael Opoko of the Methodist Church in Umuahia emphasized that Etiti State represents justice and equity as it involves contributions from all five South East states. He stressed the need for agreement and unity among lawmakers and consultations with stakeholders in the affected LGAs.