National Assembly Urged to Confirm Creation of Aba State

The Aba State Movement (ASM) has called on the National Assembly to confirm Aba as the 6th state in Nigeria’s South East when additional states are created.

ASM spokesman, Chief Theo Nkire, made the call in Aba, Abia State, explaining why Aba should be carved out of the present Abia State. He noted that Aba was twice endorsed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo in 2015 and 2018 as the 6th South East state.

Nkire recalled that the demand for Aba State was first presented to the National Assembly in 1982, and on June 16, 1983, a referendum for its creation was recommended. However, the military takeover on December 31, 1983, truncated the process.

He added that ASM later visited 21 states between 2009 and 2010 to obtain signatures from State House of Assembly members in line with constitutional requirements.

Nkire highlighted Aba State’s distinctiveness, citing homogeneity of communities, unaltered boundaries, economic viability, and large manpower. He noted that the proposed state contributes the largest portion of internally generated revenue in Abia.

“We urge the National Assembly to confirm Aba State as the 6th South East State because of its distinctiveness and uniqueness over others in the zone,” Nkire said.

“Aba State meets all constitutional requirements for viability and development, and its creation will reflect the aspirations of its people,” he added.

ASM called on lawmakers to act swiftly, emphasizing that Aba State has historical, social, and economic justification for formal recognition as the next South East state.