A bill proposing the creation of Etiti State in the Southeast passed its first reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish the new state.

Advertorial

The bill is sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, along with four other representatives from the affected communities: Hon. Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha (Okigwe and Onuimo Federal Constituency), Hon. Kama Nkemkama (Ivo/Ohazara Federal Constituency), Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife (Orumba South and North Federal Constituency), and Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu (Oji River/Agwai/Aniri Federal Constituency).

Advertorial

The proposed Etiti State is to be carved out of the existing Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states. It will comprise 11 local government areas drawn from these five states, with its headquarters at Lokpanta.

The bill seeks to amend three sections of the 1999 Constitution.

It proposes to change the word “36” to “37” to reflect the new state’s inclusion and to insert “Etiti” immediately after “Enugu” in the list of states.

Additionally, the bill aims to adjust the listing of local government areas by transferring the relevant 11 local governments from their current states to Etiti State.

The affected local government areas are Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi (Abia), Orumba North and Orumba South (Anambra), Ivo and Ohaozara (Ebonyi), Aninri, Agwu, and Oji River (Enugu), and Okigwe and Onuimo (Imo).

A bill proposing the creation of Adada State, championed by Senator Okey Ezea [LP, Enugu North], has successfully passed its first reading in the floor of the Nigerian Senate.

Titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (SB. 482)”, the bill aims to amend Section 3(1) and the First Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Constitution to establish Adada State.

Advertorial

This would increase the number of states in the South-East geopolitical zone to six, aligning it with the other regions of the country.

The push for Adada State traces back to 1983, when Engr. Isaiah Ani, the senator representing Nsukka senatorial zone during the Second Republic, first introduced a similar bill.

Advertorial

The campaign gained momentum following the 2014 Constitutional Conference’s recommendation for an additional state in the South-East.

Despite various proposals for new states within the geopolitical zone over the years, none have materialized.

The passage of this bill through its first reading marks a significant step in the long-standing quest for the creation of Adada State.

The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by Michael Onakoya challenging the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold his dethronement as the king and Orijeru of Igbooye land, Epe.

In the case marked SC/CV/969/2024, Justice Adamu Jauro delivered the verdict, declaring the appeal incompetent due to being filed out of the prescribed time frame.

Advertorial

The judgment stated: “The court observed that the Notice of Appeal on page 442 of the record was filed on June 29, 2020, against the decision delivered by the Court of Appeal Lagos Division on March 26, 2020, which was beyond the time limit prescribed by Section 27 of the Supreme Court Act.

“Although learned Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN) for the 7th respondent urged the court to hear the appeal, we do not deem it proper to hear an incompetent appeal.

Advertorial

“Consequently, the Notice of Appeal filed on June 29, 2020, in Appeal No. SC/969/2020 is incompetent, having been filed outside the time prescribed by Section 27 of the Supreme Court Act, and it is hereby struck out. Notice of appeal is hereby struck out.”

Previously, in March 2020, the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal had affirmed the judgment of a Lagos High Court in Igbosere, which had dethroned Michael Onakoya as the traditional ruler of Igbooye land, Epe.

Advertorial

Unhappy with this decision, Onakoya approached the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn the lower court’s judgment delivered on April 19, 2016, by Justice Iyabo Kasali.

However, a three-man panel of the appellate court, comprising Justice Mohammad Lawal, presiding, Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, and Justice Jamilu Tukur, unanimously dismissed Onakoya’s appeal, ruling that it lacked merit.

The Supreme Court’s decision thus confirms the dethronement, reinforcing the lower courts’ rulings on the matter.

The emergence of a presidential campaign poster for Labaran Maku, the former Minister of Information, has elicited mixed reactions across the country.

The poster, which surfaced on social media platforms on Monday, announces Maku’s intention to run for president in the 2027 general elections.

Advertorial

Supporters of Maku have lauded his decision to vie for the presidency, citing his extensive experience in government and his commitment to national development.

“Labaran Maku is a seasoned politician with a clear vision for Nigeria’s future. His leadership will bring much-needed reforms,” said Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, a political analyst and one of Maku’s ardent supporters.

Advertorial

On the other hand, critics have expressed skepticism about his candidacy, questioning his ability to address the country’s pressing challenges.

“Maku’s tenure as Minister of Information was marked by controversies. We need a leader with a proven track record of delivering results,” remarked Nkechi Okeke, a youth activist.

Whether Maku can sway public opinion and secure the necessary backing remains to be seen as the political drama unfolds.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, sharply criticized Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe on Monday, predicting she will lose support in the next election.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, Wike expressed disappointment over Kingibe’s lack of cooperation with the FCT Administration and her frustration with the residents’ praise for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Advertorial

Addressing the crowd, Wike remarked, “I overheard a member of the National Assembly on Arise TV this morning. It’s unfortunate because, with all due respect, it’s clear she doesn’t understand the situation. The honorable minister of state and I have been in office for less than 11 months, yet she is upset that people are praising us. If you don’t know something, you should admit it and learn from those who do.”

Advertorial

Wike continued by challenging Kingibe’s legislative record, asking, “You claim there are no hospitals or improvements in the health sector. As a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored to enhance our education and healthcare?”

He then predicted Kingibe’s political future, saying, “If you think you’re popular, run again in 2027 under Abuja. You will fail. What happened last time won’t happen again. Fortunately for me, I am now the FCT Minister, and this is my territory. I am not afraid.”

Advertorial

Wike dismissed the need for additional allies, emphasizing, “We’re not begging anyone to be our friend. We have more than enough friends already. If you’re upset about the praise we’re receiving, prepare yourself because it will only increase, and your blood pressure will rise.”

Senator Kingibe had criticized the Wike-led administration during a television appearance, declaring she is not an ally of the minister.