A bill seeking to create an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone has passed first reading at the House of Representatives.
The state will be known as ‘Orlu State’, if created, with its capital in Orlu.
The bill, seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution (as amended) was sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/ Ideato South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, and 15 others.
It is currently awaiting second reading.
The bill, if passed, would bring the number of states in the South-East to six, and the country to 37.
The proposed legislation indicated that the proposed state will be carved out from Imo, Abia and Anambra States.
Local Government Areas that will form part of the proposed state include Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele and Isu. Others are Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku.
Others are New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, Owerrebiri Umuowa.
According to the sponsor who pleaded with his colleagues to support the passage of the bill, Ideato would become a Senatorial District if the proposed state comes alive.
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