A bill advocating for the creation of a new state in the South-East geopolitical zone has passed its first reading at the House of Representatives. The proposed state, to be called ‘Orlu State’ with its capital in Orlu, would be formed through an amendment to the 1999 Constitution and sponsored by Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, and 15 others.
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The bill awaits a second reading and, if passed, would increase the South-East states to six and the country to 37.
The proposed state would be carved out from portions of Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, including the following Local Government Areas: Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku, New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, and Owerrebiri Umuowa.
The bill’s sponsor appealed to his colleagues in the National Assembly for support in ensuring the bill successfully passed its second reading, explaining that creating the proposed state would elevate Ideato to a senatorial district.
