Ebonyi Speaker Backs Creation of New State in South East

The Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, has restated his full support for the creation of an additional state in the South East, describing it as a matter of justice, equity, and fairness.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Theophilus Ifeanyi Igwe, following the constitutional review public hearing held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu. The South East Centre A of the review covers Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu States.

Speaker Odunwa commended the Constitution Review Committee for its efforts, noting that Ebonyi State’s position—both from the government and the House of Assembly—aligns closely with the broader demands of the South East region.

“Our position is that an additional state should be created in the region to equalize the number of states across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Equality is the key,” he said. “We do not want a situation where, after a state is created in the South East, other regions begin agitating for their own.”

Odunwa further called for the creation of more local government areas in Ebonyi State, revealing that the state has already submitted a formal request to the National Assembly seeking the establishment of 12 new LGAs.

Commenting on the proposed local government reform, the Speaker expressed cautious support. He stressed that any reform must prioritize the timely payment of salaries to primary school and junior secondary school teachers, primary health workers, and environmental staff. According to him, such concerns were the very reasons agencies like UBEC, UBEB, and the concept of joint accounts were originally introduced.

He also endorsed the establishment of state police, saying it would enhance security, boost local economies, and create employment opportunities. Additionally, he advocated for the extension of immunity to presiding officers of both state and national assemblies.

The constitutional review session was presided over by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi George.