The House of Representatives has taken a step towards the creation of a new state in the South-East geo-political zone of the country.

The bill sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, IKENGA UGOCHINYERE and others is now set for a second reading.

According to the draft bill, the creation of Orlu State will alter the 1999 Constitution, increasing the number of states in the federation from 36 to 37.

The new state will be carved out from Imo, Abia, and Anambra States, with Orlu as its capital city.

The bill also seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by inserting a new paragraph, which will include 28 local government areas.

Hon. UGOCHINYERE, the lead sponsor of the bill, appealed to his colleagues at the National Assembly to support the bill to ensure its passage through a second reading.