Hon. Chidi Obetta, the member representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, has expressed strong support for the creation of Adada State, emphasizing that it should be the first state to be created from the South East.
Speaking during his 2nd Town Hall Meeting with constituents at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he pointed out that Nsukka is the only old province in the region that has yet to become a state, despite its significant population and vast land area.
Obetta, who has co-sponsored a bill to amend the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria to facilitate the creation of Adada State, argued that the region’s historical and demographic factors make it a prime candidate for statehood. “Since 1979, the people of the South East have endorsed the creation of Adada State,” he said, noting that other regions such as Abakaliki, Awka, and Owerri have already been made states, while Nsukka remains a senatorial district.
He stressed that Nsukka’s large population and landmass, along with its lack of state status, warrant the creation of Adada State as a priority. “With the large population and landmass, we deserve to become a state,” he asserted. His call for the creation of Adada State reflects the longstanding desire of the people in the region for greater political representation and development.
During the town hall meeting, Obetta also highlighted his legislative efforts over the past year, emphasizing his focus on economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and securing projects that would benefit his constituents. He said the meeting was intended to give his constituents an opportunity to assess his performance in the National Assembly and to discuss their needs, as well as to outline plans for future development.
While there are other movements within the South East calling for the creation of additional states, including Etiti, Olu, Equity, Aba, and Anim, Obetta firmly stated, “If there is any state that should be created from the South East, the first should be Adada State.” He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocating for his constituents and working towards their socio-economic advancement.
