PRESS RELEASE!!!
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE INCLUSION OF THE OHAJI / EGBEMA/OGUTA/ORU WEST FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY IN THE BILL FOR THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL STATE FOR THE SOUTH EAST OF NIGERIA
RE : URGENT CLARIFICATIONS.
1 . The Federal Republic of Nigeria has six geopolitical zones with the South East allotted only five States . The lopsided creation and distribution of the States, deliberately skewed against the South East and the Igbo Nation, have been acknowledged as gross injustice and inequity, requiring urgent and immediate correction.
2 . The correction of the observed, and identified anomaly with respect to the creation of additional State for the South East has remained the greatest challenge of the Igbo person and the leadership of the Igbo Nation over the years. And this dream must be achieved, and realized!!
3 . Fundamentally, the creation of additional State as clamoured for, cannot be done through a fiat in a constitutional democracy as Nigeria practises today. The creation of additional State or much more States, can only be initiated through either an executive bill or private member bill. Either way of the processes and procedures, the people or the areas to be affected by the intents and purposes of the bill ( in this case, the people of the Ohaji/ Egbema/ Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency ) must be involved through consultations and other forms of engagement either directly through town hall meetings or indirectly through their elected representatives at all levels . It is not possible for any additional State to be carved out of anywhere or any State in Nigeria without the contributions of the critical stakeholders first. To do otherwise means an invitation to anarchy; not possible and achievable in a democracy!!
4 . The people of the Ohaji / Egbema / Oguta / Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State have become pensive and restive following the introduction of a private member bill for the creation of additional State for the South East by the Hon. Ikeagwuonwu Ugochinyere Michael ( Ikenga ). Given that the bill as initiated by the proponent remains within the purview of his legislative rights and privileges as a member of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly, Abuja Nigeria , such bill ought not to have been presented in the first place without due consultations and engagements with myself as the representative of the people as well as with the people through their accredited channels of leadership. In this regard, I considered the legislative action of Hon. Ikeagwuonwu, Ugochinyere Michael ( Ikenga ) in including some parts or all the parts of the Ohaji/ Egbema/ Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency , which I dutifully represent , as an overreach, an unpardonable affront without decency.
5 . Further, it is pertinent to inform our people that this desperation for public attention and media validation by the proponent of the bill called Mr. Ikeagwuonwu, Ugochinyere Michael ( Ikenga ) should not disturb their individual or collective peace. For emphasis, the bill as presented, would be challenged and resisted when it comes up for second reading and/or public hearing . Such habitual rascality in taking actions involving the interests of others without their involvement, and approval by Mr. Ikeagwuonwu Ugochinyere Michael ( Ikenga ) over time, should not be extended to the Ohaji /Egbema/ Oguta/ Oru West Federal Constituency again, and for any other reason without first seeking audience with the critical stakeholders of the area through me as their lawful and dutiful representative.
6 . In the interim, the socio-economic and political as well as the religious stakeholders, operators and leaders within the South East Region are curiously awaiting the approval of a Zonal meeting either through the Governors or through the leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo for elaborate conversations and engagements on the renewed agitation for the creation of additional State for the Igbo Nation. Except, and until such an opportunity as canvassed happens, our people will not align with any proposal for their inclusion in any proposed State , not minding the gains and advantages. This is the position of the people of my Federal Constituency!!!
7 . Instructively, the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, The Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodinma, CON, is yet to convene a meeting of the stakeholders in Imo State for policy guidelines in relation to how and where would be included in the event of the creation of additional State out of the South East geopolitical zone. The position of, and/or directive from the people’s Leader and Governor , would entirely determine the alignment of every proponent or promoter of a new State out of Imo State. And as a committed political player and legislator whose loyalty to Governor Uzodinma is irrevocably total and unconditional , I shall align wholly to his clearest instructions in this regard. Therefore, until the Governor unequivocally instructs, and directs, the good people of the Ohaji Egbema Oguta Oru West Federal Constituency cannot be lured into any arrangement for additional State, worse off without their obvious approval or endorsement upon consultations, and other forms of engagement.
8 . Enough said on the proposed arrangement to agitate for an additional State through a bill as presented by the Hon. Ikeagwuonwu, Ugochinyere Michael , I enjoin our people and our friends globally , to disregard the kindergarten antics of the proponent of the bill in the purported attempt to include our people and our areas in the ill – fated bill.
It shall not stand !!!
Thank You.
Hon. Dibiagwu, Eugene Okechukwu
Hon. Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Ministry /Member,
House of Representatives, Abuja Nigeria.
June 21 , 2024.