The member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and 15 other lawmakers have taken a bold step to push for the creation of Orlu State out of the present Imo State.
Speaking on the bill, the chief sponsor, Ikenga Ugochinyere said the creation of Orlu State would herald a new dawn of economic empowerment and socio-political progress; grant autonomy to new local government areas and split federal constituencies.
According to the Chairman House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), the creation of the state will be the beginning of a realistic journey for the long awaited additional state for the South East geopolitical zone and beacon for justice, equity and accelerated development.
He added that it will also unleash the untapped potential of the region, foster growth, innovation, and opportunity for generations to come.
Ugochinyere stated that the establishment of Orlu State will also signify a seismic shift in political representation as no longer will their voices be drowned out amidst the clamour of larger constituencies but instead, they will have the opportunity to amplify their concerns, advocate for their interests, and shape the future of the region from a position of strength and influence.
He therefore, called on members of the House of Representatives to support the second reading and consequent passage of the bill for Orlu state creation for regional balancing.
“As we stand on the threshold of this historic moment, let us not forget the tireless efforts of those who have brought us to this point. Ladies and gentlemen, today, we stand on the precipice of history, poised to embark on a journey that will forever alter the landscape of our beloved South-East region.
“With unwavering determination and a steadfast commitment to justice, equity, and accelerated development, we have taken the first momentous step towards the creation of Orlu State,” he said.
Ugochinyere noted that for too long, the South East zone has languished behind, shackled by the injustice of unequal representation, and while its counterparts in other regions enjoy the benefits of six states, the region has struggled to make its five states count.
“But like we say in our local parlance, ‘when the time is right, the breadfruit will fall’.
It seems therefore, the time has come to claim what is rightfully ours, to carve out our own destiny, and to usher in a new era of prosperity for the people of Orlu and indeed the South-East.
“The bill for the creation of Orlu State is not merely a piece of legislation; it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of our collective resolve to chart a course towards a brighter future. With its passage, we will witness not just the fresh beginning of a new state, but also the birth of new senatorial zones, encompassing parts of Imo, Abia and Anambra states, all united in purpose and vision.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives, whose unwavering support and dedication have propelled this bill forward. I also pay tribute to the countless individuals and organizations who have lent their voices to this noble cause, standing shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the people of Orlu.
“And most importantly, I salute Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has shown a healthy disposition to socio-political equity and has not hidden his hunger for progress and accelerated development of the regions under his watch.
“I must however note that our work is far from over. In the days and weeks ahead, we must continue to rally support for the passage of this bill, overcoming any obstacles that may stand in our way. Together, we have the power to shape the future of our region, to build a legacy of progress and prosperity that will endure for generations to come.
“So let us march forward with courage and conviction, knowing that the dream of Orlu State is within our grasp. Together, we will write the next chapter in the storied history of our beloved South-East, forging a path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all of us,” the Ideato lawmaker submitted.
