A bill aimed at establishing an additional state, to be named Orlu State, with its capital in Orlu, has been presented in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, is sponsored by the representative of Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, along with 15 others, and is currently awaiting a second reading.
If the bill is approved, it would increase the number of states in the South East to six, and the total number of states in the country to 37.
The proposed state, as outlined in the bill, will be carved out from Imo, Abia, and Anambra. The local government areas that will be part of the proposed state 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, Owerrebiri, Umuowa.
Ugochinyere has made an appeal to his fellow members at the National Assembly for their support in ensuring the bill passes its second reading.
In the meantime, Ugochinyere, who serves as the chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, faces the risk of suspension due to the alleged politicization of his oversight responsibilities in Rivers State.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau) raised a motion of personal explanation during the session, expressing that his rights as a member of the House had been violated.
He pointed out that certain media reports suggested that about 50 House members visited Governor Sim Fubara in Rivers State as a show of solidarity, which Ugochinyere’s statements seemed to endorse. Gagdi emphasized that this gave the impression that the House was taking sides in political affairs when in reality, the visit was part of their oversight duties.
After the visit, Ugochinyere issued a statement to the media, which further fueled the perception that they were representing the House during the visit to the governor.
However, Mark Essien (PDP-Akwa-Ibom) argued that the issue was irrelevant and should not be given much attention, as there were more pressing national matters to address.
In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, announced that the House leadership would investigate the matter and, if necessary, refer it to the Privilege and Ethics Committee for further scrutiny.
Although some members expressed dissatisfaction and wished to speak on the issue, Kalu denied them the opportunity, clarifying that personal explanations were not up for debate.
