Lawmakers of South-East extraction on the Federal Home of Representatives, on Saturday, stated the zone, and never the South-West, deserves one other state to be in parity with different geo-political zones aside from the South-West.
The PUNCH had solely obtained copies of a invoice and a letter of notification final week by a member of the Home and Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Oluwole Oke, to current proposed laws for the creation of three extra states within the South-West.
The proposed states are Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
Forward of the presentation of the invoice for first studying, Sunday Umeha, a member of the Labour Get together representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Enugu State, instructed Sunday PUNCH that no different geo-political zone deserves one other state than the South-East.
Though, he famous that any area is at liberty to sponsor a invoice for the creation of extra states; Umeha who doubles because the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Justice, said that for the sake of fairness, the South-East “which is already quick by a State,” must be attended to earlier than every other zone.
He stated, “You’re conscious that the problem of the non-parity of states throughout the areas or zones, has been on the entrance burner for some time now. It was there within the eighth and ninth Assemblies and state assemblies, with numerous motions. Makes an attempt at constitutional amendments had been even made.
“You and I do know that there is no such thing as a means the problem of creation of the state within the South-West will likely be thought-about first earlier than what’s already earlier than the parliament, which is the problem of creating the South-East to be at par with different zones.
“The South-East must be thought-about first as a result of it has been on the entrance burner of legislative discourse for the previous 20 years. A whole lot of constitutional strikes have been made already.”
Talking additional on Mr Oke’s invoice, Umeha famous that the journey to fruition of the intent of any invoice is a reasonably lengthy one.
“Anyone can suggest a constitutional modification and it’s the proper of any member of the Home to provide you with any movement, invoice, or no matter, but it surely doesn’t finish there. It must be seen the extent to which any such proposal can survive legislative discourse and scrutiny,” he added.
In a shot fired at different zones, Umeha stated, “You may’t be asking for extra when different individuals haven’t gotten one.”
In his contribution, a member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Kama Nkemkanma, echoed Umeha ‘s optimism, saying, “If any area is to have an additional state, it’s the South-East,” including that “Proper now, I’m positive the South-East caucus is engaged on it (one other State for the South-East).”
