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The residents of Umunze in Anambra State’s Orumba South Local Government Area have unequivocally rejected the proposal to be absorbed into the newly proposed Orlu State, expressing their delight and sense of belonging in their current state.
Recall that a major development emerged from the House of Representatives as legislators gave the green light for the creation of an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone.
A statement by President General of the town, Ezekiel Iheazor, stated: “The leadership of Umunze Progressive Union has noticed with dismay the inclusion of Umunze, the headquarters of Orumba South Local Government Area in the bill sponsored by one Michael Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu for the proposed creation of Orlu State.
“The inclusion of Umunze in the proposed state is hereby rejected in its entirety by the good and peace-loving people of Umunze. Creation of additional state(s) from the South East geopolitical zone for the sake of equity and justice is a robust and welcome idea.
“However, the inclusion cannot be done without extensive and elaborate consultation with Ndi Umunze. We have neither cultural/traditional semblance nor ethical affinity with the people of Orlu, hence cannot be included in the proposed State.
“Umu Abilikete, I am in constant touch with Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, Adaejiejemba, who is our own and represents Orumba North and South in the House of Representatives. She is passionately addressing the issue. She is on top of the situation.
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“Finally, I urge Umu Abilikete to remain calm, the needful must be done at the opportune time.”
The Eastern Updates gathered that Legislators set the ball rolling on a proposal to create Orlu State, as a bill seeking to establish the new entity received a warm welcome on the House floor, passing its first reading with ease during Thursday’s plenary.
The proposed legislation, championed by Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere of Imo State’s Ideato North and South districts, has cleared its first hurdle and is now poised to undergo a more in-depth debate during its second reading.
If passed, the bill would introduce a significant change to the nation’s legal framework, revising the 1999 Constitution to accommodate the creation of Orlu State and bringing the total number of states to 37.