Owerri, March 29, 2025
The Imo State House of Assembly has taken a historic step toward creating a new local government area as the bill sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Ideato North/South) successfully passed its second reading today. The development has sparked jubilation across the state, with constituents hailing the move as "long overdue" for equitable development.
Key Details of the Proposed LGA
1. Geographical Composition: The new LGA will be carved out from existing territories in Ideato Federal Constituency
2. Strategic Rationale: Aims to address administrative challenges and bring governance closer to rural communities
3. Economic Impact: Expected to unlock more federal allocations and grassroots development projects
Ugochinyere's Legislative Masterstroke
The bill's passage marks a significant victory for the first-term lawmaker, who has championed:
- Constituency Advocacy: 18 months of grassroots consultations and impact assessments
- Bipartisan Support: Unusual cross-party backing in the APC-dominated assembly
- Technical Preparation: Commissioned demographic/geographic studies to justify the creation
Reactions from Stakeholders
- Traditional Rulers: The Ideato Council of Ndi Eze endorsed the move, calling it "the realization of our ancestors' vision"
- Youth Groups: Over 5,000 youths staged a solidarity march at the Assembly complex
- Opposition Voices: Some APC members cautioned against "gerrymandering," though none voted against the bill
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
The bill now moves to:
1. Committee Stage: 30-day public hearings across affected communities
2. Boundary Adjustment: INEC to determine exact demarcations
3. Final Voting: Expected before the end of the 2nd legislative quarter
Why This Matters
If successful, this would be Imo's first LGA creation since 1996, potentially setting a template for other states. Political analysts suggest it could redefine Ugochinyere's career and alter 2027 electoral calculations.
Key Context:
- Imo currently has 27 LGAs, below the constitutional maximum of 40
- The move follows similar successful efforts in Lagos and Kano
- Ugochinyere previously sponsored bills on electoral reform and security sector accountability
Source: 247ureports
