Member, House of Representatives, Hon Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi, has picked holes in the bill to create Okura state from Kogi.
Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, had during plenary on Thursday, moved a motion for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi, with Egume as the proposed capital.
Halims, who represents Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi and sponsor of the bill, said if the state is created, it will bring government closer to the “long neglected people of Igala” and would ensure the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources to the people.
The lawmaker said Okura satisfies all the requirements for the creation of a state.
Debating the bill, Egidi said his constituency of Ajaokuta cannot be part of the proposed new state.
The lawmaker said the map of the proposed new state should be redesigned to extricate Ajaokuta.
“For about two days, I have seen a map circulating in the social media where my constituency, Ajaokuta, is part of the proposed new state.
“I want to put it to the house that I believe it is an error. I believe that it is not correct. Ajaokuta federal constituency is currently in Kogi state central senatorial district. It is not part of east senatorial district.
“I want the map to be redesigned.
“In as much as I agree with the creation of the new state, my constituency cannot be part of Okura state based on the following reasons: There is a natural boundary already, and I am not sure anybody from my constituency was consulted. My constituency should be out of it,” Sanni Egidi said.
Responding, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the lawmaker’s demand would be considered by the constitutional amendment committee when further proposals are received from stakeholders.
The bill was unanimously voted for when Abbas put it to a voice vote.
