The debate over the creation of a new state in southeastern Nigeria has ignited fresh controversy.
The Isuochi community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State has rejected the proposed Orlu State and instead advocates for the establishment of Etiti State.
A statement issued by the Isuochi Development Union, signed by President General Ochiabuto Orji and Secretary Victor Nnamzuoke, outlines their position.
They acknowledge the need for an additional state in the southeast to achieve regional parity but oppose the bill currently before the House of Representatives.
The bill proposing the creation of Orlu State is currently under consideration by the House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonua, the member representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency, and has already passed the first reading.
The Isuochi community argues that the creation of Etiti State aligns with previous national conferences.
They point to agreements reached in 2005 and 2014 conferences under Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, respectively.
According to him, “the people maintain that creating an additional state for the South East goes against the wishes expressed in previous national conference organized by Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
“In those conferences, it was agreed that any new state for the region would be formed from the existing five states of the South East.”
The President General emphasizes that the Isuochi community will not cede any land and opposes being part of Orlu State.
“Isuochi will not cede any portion of its territory to another state. The bill is set to balkanize the community by taking away Umuaku, one of the nine towns that make up Isuochi, to the proposed Orlu State. This would leave the other eight towns of Isuochi in Abia State. We also do not want to be a part of the proposed Orlu State,” He stated.