Push for Adada State: A Voice for Nsukka Province
The member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Chidi Obetta, has stated that Adada State would be the first to be created from the South East region. He made this declaration during his second hybrid Town Hall Meeting with constituents at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), on Friday.
Hon. Obetta emphasized that Nsukka province is the only old province yet to become a state, despite its large population and landmass. “If there is any state that should be created from South East, the first should be Adada State. Since 1979, the people of South East have endorsed the creation of Adada State,” he said.
The lawmaker further highlighted that he has co-sponsored a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to effect the creation of Adada State. This move aligns with the longstanding demand for state creation in the region.
Legislative Actions for Economic Growth and Empowerment
Hon. Obetta outlined his legislative actions aimed at fostering economic growth, empowerment, job creation, and poverty reduction. He stated that most of his bills and motions are geared toward improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and supporting vulnerable populations within his constituency and across the nation.
Some notable sponsored bills/motions/public petitions include:
- A bill for an act to establish a Federal Medical Centre at Obukpa, which has passed the first and second reading stages and moved to the consideration stage.
- A bill for an act to establish a Federal Vocational and Skill Acquisition College at Ibagwa-Aka, Enugu State, which has passed the first reading.
- A bill for an act to establish a Swine Research Institute at Okpuje-Nsukka, also passing the first reading.
- A bill for an act to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (Amendment), 2004, which has passed the first reading.
- A bill to amend the 1999 Constitution and create Adada State, co-sponsored with Hon. Martin Oke and other members from Enugu State.
Hon. Obetta reiterated his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, emphasizing core value principles such as transparency, accessibility, responsiveness, inclusivity, consistency, building consensus, and improving lives. He urged constituents to actively contribute to discussions for their collective benefit.
“We are here again today for the second hybrid town hall meeting to appraise how far we have implemented the outcomes of our first meeting. I can boldly say that I have kept and will continue to keep my promises to you. Electing me as your representative is a privilege and opportunity to serve my people.”
Critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, clerics, party leaders, and student bodies, who participated in the town hall meeting, passed a vote of confidence in Hon. Obetta, lauding his quality representation.
Leading the pack of supporters was the traditional ruler of Mkpunano community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRH Igwe Patrick Okoro. He praised the royal fathers’ satisfaction with Hon. Obetta’s stewardship and encouraged him to continue his efforts, assuring him of their prayers.
Similarly, Ven. Dr. Nnamdi Ijeudo, Director of Politics and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Anglican Diocese of Nsukka and Archdeacon of Ovoko Archdeaconry, commended Hon. Obetta for his dedication and urged him to intensify efforts on the Adada State creation bill.
Augustine Alumona, Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, also praised the lawmaker, urging other politicians to emulate his exemplary stewardship in the National Assembly.
