A bill proposing the creation of a new state in the South-East geopolitical zone has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation, co-sponsored by lawmakers Amobi Ogah (Abia), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu), advanced during Thursday’s plenary session.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a new state, Etiti, from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Lokpanta is proposed as the capital of Etiti, which will encompass 11 local government areas: Aninri, Awgu, Isuikwuato, Ivo, Oji-River, Ohaozara, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Umu-Nneochi.
In his legislative brief, Ogah emphasized that the bill aims to address a “longstanding” issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the South-East