The House of Representatives in Nigeria has introduced a bill to establish a new state named Etiti State in the South East region. This proposal is titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1525)” and aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to increase the number of states from 36 to 37.
### Key Details of the Bill:
– **Introduction and Sponsors:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah and co-sponsored by Rep. Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Rep. Kama Nkemkama, Rep. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu. It passed its first reading during a plenary session.
– **Proposed Changes:** The bill seeks to amend three sections of the 1999 Constitution to incorporate Etiti State into the constitution’s list of states, placing it after Enugu.
– **Geographical Composition:** Etiti State would be carved out from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, encompassing 11 local government areas.
– **State Capital:** Lokpanta is proposed to be the capital of Etiti State.
– **Affected Local Government Areas:**
– **Abia:** Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi
– **Anambra:** Orumba North and Orumba South
– **Ebonyi:** Ivo and Ohaozara
– **Enugu:** Aninri, Agwu, and Oji River
– **Imo:** Okigwe and Onuimo
### Objective:
The bill aims to adjust the listing of local governments by state, reassigning the mentioned local government areas to the newly proposed Etiti State. If passed, this legislation would mark a significant reorganization of Nigeria’s state boundaries and administrative divisions.