Hon. Amobi Ogah, the representative for Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency in the House of Representatives, has provided further details on his bill proposing the creation of Etiti State to bring the South East geo-political zone on par with other zones.

Speaking exclusively with VANGUARD in Umuahia, the Labour Party lawmaker explained that the proposed Etiti State would benefit all existing five states in the zone, unlike other proposals that might favor a particular state.

Ogah noted that the proposal enjoys the support of the majority of House of Representatives members from the South East. He argued that the creation of an additional state for the South East is centered on equality, and thus, it makes sense for every state in the zone to benefit from it.

He said that each state in the South East would contribute at least two Local Government Areas to the new state: Isuikwuato and Umunneochi from Abia; Okigwe and Onuimo from Imo; Orumba North and Orumba South from Anambra; Ivo and Ohozara from Ebonyi; and Oji River, Awgu, and Aninri from Enugu. This arrangement ensures that no state is shortchanged.

In his words: “However you look at it, Etiti State makes more sense because each state in the South East will donate at least two Local Government Areas to it. Isuikwuato and Umunneochi will come from Abia; Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs from Imo; Orumba North and Orumba South from Anambra; Ivo and Ohozara LGAs from Ebonyi; and Oji River, Awgu and Aninri from Enugu State. It cuts across all the existing five states so that no state is shortchanged”.

The lawmaker appealed to Ndigbo, both at home and abroad, to set aside personal interests and unite for the realization of Etiti State, emphasizing that it is in the best interest of the entire South East.