Reps move to create new LGAs in five states

Constitutional amendment bills seeking to create new LGAs in five states have passed the second reading at the house of representatives.

The first bill, sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the house, and six other lawmakers, seeks to split the existing Bende LGA in Abia state into two: creating Bende north while renaming the original LGA as Bende south.

A second bill sponsored by Francis Waive, the house committee chairman on rules and business, intends to create Ughievwen LGA in Delta.

The third bill, jointly sponsored by Paul Nnamchi, Chimaobi Atu, and Nnolim Nnaji, proposes to create additional LGAs in Enugu state.

A fourth bill sponsored by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere aims to create Ideato west LGA from the existing Ideato LGA in Imo state.

In Zamfara state, a fifth bill sponsored by Bello Shinkafi seeks the creation of Moriki LGA from the present Zurmi LGA.

The bills must scale through further legislative scrutiny, voting by both chambers of the national assembly, and approval by two-thirds of state legislatures before they would be transmitted to the president for assent.