In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives on Thursday passed the first reading of a bill aimed at creating an additional state in Nigeria’s Southeast region, to be named Orlu State. This bill, spearheaded by Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the representative for Ideato North South Federal Constituency of Imo State, along with several co-sponsors, proposes to amend the 1999 Constitution to increase Nigeria’s states from 36 to 37.
The proposed Orlu State would have Orlu as its capital city, incorporating territories from Imo, Abia, and Anambra states. During a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Ugochinyere emphasized the need for this new state to address regional disparities and enhance governance.
The push for Orlu State aligns with recent calls from Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization. In April, its President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, advocated for additional states in the Southeast, citing economic losses and historical inequalities stemming from previous state and local government configurations established by military decrees. Iwuanyanwu warned that without the creation of an additional state, legal action against the Federal Government might be pursued.
In parallel, the House is also reviewing a bill to create three new states in the Southwest region: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa. Sponsored by Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, this bill suggests amendments to the constitution to establish these states with their respective local government areas and capitals.
Specifically, Ugochinyere’s bill for Orlu State includes provisions for 28 local government areas: Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku, New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, and Owerrebiri Umuowa.
Ugochinyere appealed to his fellow lawmakers for support to ensure the bill’s success in subsequent readings. He highlighted that the creation of Orlu State could pave the way for the formation of a new senatorial district, enhancing political representation and local governance.
