House of Reps passes four bills in respect of creation of new States
House of Reps passes four bills in respect of creation of new States
Four legislation that would establish more states nationwide have made it past the House of Representatives’ second reading.
The House also approved 38 other bills seeking various amendments to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). These bills are part of the ongoing efforts by the 10th Assembly to introduce changes to the country’s foundational legal framework.
The 42 bills, which are categorized by their specific focus areas, successfully passed through their second reading during the Plenary session on Wednesday.
The bills were presented by House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda. The development sets the stage for further deliberations and potential reforms in Nigeria’s governance structure.
The four proposed bills seeking the creation of additional states were; “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) by amending Part 1 of the First Schedule and Creating Additional Three States Oke – Ogun State, Ijebu State and Ife – Ijesa State and for Related Matters (HB. 1098) sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke.
“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to make provisions for the Creation of “Tiga State” from the Present Kano State with Headquarters in “Rano” and for Related Matters (HB.1308) sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani.
“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Create a New State in the South Eastern Region of Nigeria Known as Orlu State and for Related Matters (HB.1430) sponsored by Rep. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere.
“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Create an Additional State in the South East Region of Nigeria, Carved from the Existing Five (5) States to be known as Etiti State with Capital at Okigwe and for Related Matters (HB.1998) sponsored by Rep. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi”.
Following the reading of the bills’ long titles, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the Plenary, conducted a voice vote, and the bills were subsequently passed.
The bills have now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by the Deputy Speaker.
It is worth noting that earlier on the same day, the House also passed 39 bills aimed at altering the Constitution, which were similarly referred to the Committee for further review.
