The move by the House of Representatives to create a new state in Nigeria South-East region, to be known as Orlu State, has reignited the longstanding debate surrounding state creation and the principles of equity and fairness in the country’s federal structure. The proposed bill, sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere and co-sponsored by other lawmakers, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution and increase the number of states in Nigeria from 36 to 37.
The South-East region, comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, is currently the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with only five states, while other zones have a minimum of six. This disparity has long been a source of contention and perceived marginalization among the people of the South-East, who argue that they deserve equal representation and resource allocation as other regions.
The creation of Orlu State, with its proposed capital in Orlu, aims to address this imbalance by carving out a new state from portions of Imo, Abia, and Anambra states. The bill proposes the inclusion of 28 local government areas, spanning various towns and communities across these three states.
The push for a new state in Nigeria the South-East region is rooted in the principles of equity, fairness, and equal representation within Nigeria’s federal structure. Proponents argue that the creation of Orlu State will not only address the longstanding grievances of the region but also foster greater development, efficient resource allocation, and improved governance at the state level.
Supporters of the bill contend that a new state will bring the government closer to the people, facilitating better service delivery and addressing the unique needs and challenges of the region more effectively. Additionally, they argue that the creation of Orlu State could lead to the formation of a new senatorial district, further enhancing the region’s representation in the national legislature.
However, the proposal is not without its critics and detractors. Some argue that the creation of new states should not be driven solely by ethnic or regional considerations but rather by objective criteria such as economic viability, population size, and administrative efficiency. There are concerns that the proliferation of states could place additional strain on the nation’s already limited resources, potentially leading to further economic challenges and governance issues.
Moreover, the process of state creation is a complex and contentious issue, often fraught with political maneuvering and vested interests. Critics argue that the push for Orlu State may be motivated by political calculations rather than genuine concerns for equity and development. There are also concerns about the potential for inter-ethnic tensions and conflicts as existing states are carved up to create new ones.
Amidst these debates, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical context and grievances that have fueled the demand for a new state in the South-East region. The region has long grappled with feelings of marginalization and underrepresentation, dating back to the civil war era and the perceived exclusion from national power structures and resource allocation.
While the creation of Orlu State may not be a panacea for all the region’s challenges, it could serve as a symbolic gesture of inclusion and a step towards addressing the long-held aspirations of the South-East people. However, any such move must be undertaken with careful consideration, extensive consultations, and a commitment to ensuring that the process is driven by principles of good governance, economic viability, and the overall well-being of all Nigerians, rather than narrow political interests.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is imperative that the federal government and all stakeholders engage in open and inclusive dialogue, weighing the pros and cons of state creation objectively and transparently. The decision to create a New State in Nigeria should be guided by a genuine desire to foster unity, equity, and sustainable development for all regions of the country, rather than exacerbating existing divisions or creating new sources of conflict.
Reference
Reps move to create additional state in South-East published in Punch