At a public hearing in Enugu on Saturday, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, made a passionate appeal to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitutional Review, urging them to end the long-standing marginalisation of the South-East by approving the creation of Adada State.
During his presentation, Nwodo emphasized that Adada State possesses the necessary resources and qualifications to become a viable state, both in terms of natural endowment and human capital. “The proposed Adada State has all it takes, including natural and human resources, to be made a state,” he stated.
He highlighted that the people of Enugu North Senatorial District currently account for 52 percent of the total population of Enugu State. When Isi-Uzo Local Government Area is included, the proportion increases to 56 percent, he explained.
“The people of Enugu North Senatorial district who constitute 52 percent of the population of the present Enugu state… with the addition of Isi-Uzo local government area, the state will be made up of seven local government areas, making it 56 percent of the population of Enugu State, that are seeking for the Adada State creation,” Nwodo noted.
He argued that this region was unfairly treated during past state creations under military rule, having been allocated only seven local government areas despite its population size.
“The area was marginalized when states were created during the military administration, reduced to only seven local government areas when it was supposed to have more local government councils,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Adada State Movement, Chief James Ugwu, underscored the economic benefits of creating the state.
According to him, the region is rich in mineral resources and would contribute positively to the nation’s economic growth.
“There were mineral resources in the proposed state,” Ugwu said, adding that “it will add to the gross domestic products of the federal government.”
Adada State has been at the forefront of recent discussions on state creation, especially at constitutional hearings.
Notably, it received strong backing at a similar Senate public hearing held earlier this year, where it was one of three proposed states presented.
