A member of representing Ajaokuta in the Federal House of Representatives, Abdulraheem Sanni Egidi, has kicked against the inclusion of his Constituency in a bill seeking for the creation of Okura state from Kogi State.
Abdulraheem Egidi, who was contributing to the debate on the bill, presented by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi State, stressed that his constituency, Ajaokuta, cannot be part of the proposed new state.
The lawmaker insisted that the map of the proposed new state should be redesigned to remove 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.”
However, speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said that the lawmaker’s demand would be considered by the constitutional amendment committee when further proposals are received from stakeholders.
The Deputy Majority Leader had, during plenary yesterday, July 18, moved the motion for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi, with Egume as the capital.
The sponsor of the bill, said that 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 that Okura satisfies all the requirements for the creation of a state.
