The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chinedu Ogah, has called for the creation of two additional states in the Southeast geopolitical zone as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
Ogah, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Public Hearing and also a member of the Presidential Committee on Constitutional Review, made the call during a media briefing in Abakaliki.
He said the Southeast region, which currently has five states, is the most shortchanged in the country, as other geopolitical zones have a minimum of six states, with some having up to seven.
He identified Adada State, proposed from parts of Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra states, as one of the two suggested new states. A second proposal has also been submitted from Imo and Abia states.
Ogah confirmed that proposals from the Southeast have passed the first and second readings in the National Assembly and have gone through public hearings.
He expressed optimism that the creation of additional states would be approved through the constitutional amendment process, adding that the proposals enjoy the support of state Houses of Assembly and the general public.
In addition to state creation, Ogah disclosed that 13 new local government areas have been proposed in Ebonyi State. These include three in Izzi, two in Abakaliki, and one each in Ezza, Ohaukwu, Ishielu, and Ohaozara.
He said the local government creation proposals have passed referendum stages and relevant legislative processes in the state.
Ogah stated that the ongoing constitutional review also includes proposals for reforms in electoral laws, judicial processes, security architecture, and devolution of powers by transferring some items from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.
On the issue of state police, Ogah said he had no firm position, noting that while some governors may apply it positively, others could use it to suppress opposition.
On youth and gender inclusion in politics, Ogah supported increased participation of women but said he did not see the need for a youth quota, arguing that youths already make up 70 percent of the population.
He also cautioned against the misuse of social media, saying some youths use it to spread false information about politicians. He urged journalists to verify facts before publication.
Ogah further stated that several infrastructure and empowerment projects have been captured in the 2025 national budget for his constituency, including road construction, classroom blocks, solar-powered streetlights, and the distribution of empowerment materials.
He appealed for timely release of budgeted funds to ensure implementation of the projects.
