The House of Representatives took a significant step on Thursday by passing the first reading of a bill proposing the creation of a new state in southeastern Nigeria, named Orlu State. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, who represents Ideato North South Federal Constituency in Imo State, was co-sponsored by several other lawmakers.
According to the proposed legislation, the creation of Orlu State would amend the 1999 Constitution, increasing the total number of states in Nigeria from 36 to 37. The new state, with Orlu as its capital, would be carved out from parts of Imo, Abia, and Anambra states.
The bill outlines an amendment to the 1999 Constitution to include 28 local government areas within the new state. These areas are 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.
Hon. Ugochinyere, the principal sponsor, called on his colleagues in the National Assembly to support the bill to ensure its successful passage during the second reading. He emphasized that the creation of Orlu State could lead to the establishment of Ideato as a senatorial district.
This move is particularly significant as the Southeast region currently has only five states, unlike other geopolitical zones in Nigeria, which each have at least six.
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