Reps propose additional state for S’East
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A bill seeking to create an additional state, to be known as Orlu State, with capital in Orlu, has been introduced in the House of Representatives.
The bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which is sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/ Ideato South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, and 15 others is awaiting second reading.
If the bill is eventually passed, it would bring the number of states in the South East to six and states in the country to 37.
The Bill indicated that the proposed state will be carved out from Imo, Abia and Anambra. Local government Areas that will form part of the proposed state include Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele and Isu. Others are Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze and Umuaku. Also to be included are New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, Owerrebiri Umuowa.
Ugochinyere appealed to his colleagues at the National Assembly for support to ensure that the bill scales through second reading.
Meanwhile, Ugochinyere, chairman, House Committee on Petroleum DownStream risks suspension over alleged politicisation of oversight function in Rivers State.
Yusuf Gagdi (APC-Plateau), while moving a motion of personal explanation, told the House that his privilege as a member of the House had been bridged.
He said some media publications reported that about 50 members of the House paid a solidarity visit to Governor Sim Fubara during their visit to Rivers State.
He added that such a statement issued by Ugochinyere was in bad taste and made the House look like it was taking a position in political matters. He said the report presented the story as though the members visited the governor on behalf of the House whereas they were in the state for oversight function and decided to greet the governor.
Gagdi said after the visit, Ugochinyere issued a statement which was published in the media, adding that this made their visit look like they were a delegation of the House to visit the governor.
Mark Essien (PDP-Akwa-Ibom), however, said the matter was irrelevant and should not be entertained as there were more matters of national importance to be addressed.
In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary said that the leadership of the House would look into the report.
He added that if found necessary, the matter would be referred to the Privilege and Ethics Committee for further investigation.
Some dissatisfied members indicated to speak to the issue but Kalu denied them the opportunity saying that matters of personal explanation were not open to debate.