By Christiana Ekpa
A Bill seeking the creation of an additional state in the South-East geo-political zone has passed first reading at the House of Representatives.
The state if created will be known as ‘Orlu State’, 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, is currently awaiting second reading.
If passed, the bill would bring the number of states in the South-East to six, and the country to 37.
The proposed legislation, which was availed to newsmen on Thursday, indicated that the proposed state will be carved out from Imo, Abia and Anambra.
According to the proposed legislation, 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. The sponsor of the bill told newsmen that if the proposed state is created, Ideato would become a senatorial district.
He begged his colleagues in the National Assembly for support to ensure that the bill scales through second reading.
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