Jonathan Nwokpor
The idea to split off the current Imo State to become Orlu State has been deemed undesirable by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, the preeminent Igbo sociocultural institution.
Recall that the measure has already passed the first reading and is sponsored by Hon. Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a member of the House of Representatives who represents the Ideato Federal Constituency.
However, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the national president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, asked the National Assembly to abandon any plans to establish Orlu State during a speech to journalists on Thursday in Enugu.
According to Okwu, it undermines the principles of justice and equity and invites anarchy to the Southeast.
He claimed that while the Southeast wanted an extra state to match other areas, the advocates of Orlu State were pushing a self-serving and polarising agenda that would only exacerbate the region’s complaints of marginalisation.
According to him, “the National Confab report, which was endorsed by Nigerians from across the country remains a guide towards the total reform of Nigeria, including state creation.
“In that report, there was a clear mention of Etiti State, which has a representation of every part of the South-East. There is nothing like Orlu State in the Confab report.
“The proposed Etiti State encompasses parts of all the 5 existing states of the South East.
“They include: Orumba South, Orumba North (Anambra); Awgu, Aninri, Oji River (Enugu); Afikpo North, Afikpo South, Ivo (Ebonyi), Ehime Mbano, Okigwe, Onuimo (Imo), as well as Umunneochi and Isuikwuato (Abia).
“It is, therefore, unthinkable for anyone to wake up one day and plot to thwart the general interest of the South-East in pursuit of a selfish agenda.”
Okwu cautioned that the rejection the said Orlu State had already received was a clear indication that “it is self-serving, lacks inclusivity, and proper consultation.
“We urge the National Assembly not drag itself into such a legislation that is capable of setting the South-East on fire.
“It should rather channel its energy towards the creation of Etiti State, which is long overdue, and in doing so, posterity will judge them fairly.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide equally calls on the sponsor of the bill to withdraw it from further legislative action as it is not only provocative but incendiary.”
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