By Leonard Okachie
A Federal Lawmaker, Rep. Amaobi Ogah, has urged stakeholders in different communities in Ummunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia to support the creation of the proposed Etiti State.
Ogah said that the proposed state would address a longstanding imbalance and administrative efficiency within the South-East geopolitical zone.
He canvassed for the people’s support during the Hon. Amaobi Godwin Interactive Town Hall Meeting at Isuochi in Ummunneochi LGA on Saturday.
Ogah, who is representing Isuikwato/Ummunneochi Federal Constituency, explained that the proposed state would not only ensure parity, but also enhance balanced regional development and effective governance in the zone.
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He said that the bill for Etiti, which was awaiting public hearing, enjoyed an overwhelming support from his colleagues at the floor of the House, among other proposals on state creation, because of its significance.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill is sponsored by Ogah and four others representing the affected communities in South-eastern states.
The proposed state will have 11 LGAs carved out of five existing states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.
The LGAs are Isuikwuato and Umunneochi(Abia), Orumba North and Orumba South(Anambra), Ivo and Ohaozara(Ebonyi), Aninri, Awgu, and Oji River(Enugu) as well as Okigwe and Onuimo (Imo).
Ogah, who acknowledged the efforts by late Sen. Uche Chukwumerije and others toward the creation of the state, vowed not to relent of struggle for its actualisation.
The lawmaker said that the major reason he gathered the stakeholders was to discuss, clarify as well get their support in the proposed state creation.
He said:”I want to assure you that the struggle has started again and at this point, we are going to get it by the special grace of God.
“There is need for you people to support the creation of Etiti State because I believe that this correction will go a long way not just to develop our place, but it will take us to where we want to be.”
Ogah, who was elected in 2023, said that he also called the members of his constituency to give account of his stewardship.
The lawmaker who lauded Gov. Alex Otti for his giant strides in the rebuilding the state, said that he would continue to empower his constituents economically in order to curb insecurity in the area.
He urged the media to support the struggle for the full implementation of local government autonomy.
“We have three tiers of government and if the local government is not independent, we are joking because there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
NAN reports that the stakeholders who turned out en masse, commended Ogah for his efforts and achievements, while overwhelmingly pledging their supports for the proposed Etiti State.
The stakeholders include the royal fathers, clergy, town union president-generals, women leaders, heads of security formations, officers of transport unions, political parties and others.(NAN)
