House of Representatives Approves Bill for Creation of Orlu State

In a significant legislative development, the Nigerian House of Representatives approved a bill on Thursday to establish Orlu State, a new state in the Southeast region of the country. Sponsored by Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, who represents Imo State’s Ideato North South Federal Constituency, along with other supporting legislators, the bill successfully passed its first reading.

The proposed legislation aims to amend the 1999 Constitution, thereby increasing the total number of states in Nigeria from 36 to 37. The creation of Orlu State will involve merging parts of Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, with Orlu designated as the capital.

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According to the bill, the new state will comprise 28 local government areas. These include 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 bill’s principal sponsor, urged fellow National Assembly members to support the legislation during its subsequent readings to ensure its passage. He highlighted the potential benefits of the new state, including the establishment of Ideato as a senatorial district, which would enhance political representation and development in the region.

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The Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria currently comprises five states, fewer than other zones which have at least six states each. The creation of Orlu State is seen as a step towards balancing this disparity, thereby promoting equitable distribution of resources and political power across the country.

Supporters of the bill argue that the formation of Orlu State will foster economic growth and development in the Southeast, address administrative challenges, and bring government closer to the people. If the bill progresses through the legislative process and receives the necessary approvals, it will mark a historic change in Nigeria’s administrative and political landscape.