Adada State Creation Long Overdue, Fully Justified — Nwodo, Ezea, Other Leaders Emphasize

The quest for the establishment of Adada State once again took center stage on Friday during the National Assembly’s public hearing on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

At the forefront of this passionate demand was Chief Nnia Nwodo, the former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Speaking before lawmakers, he argued decisively that the planned Adada State, to be carved out of present-day Enugu State, stands as the most credible and prepared among all the southeastern state proposals.

Nwodo explained to the National Assembly that Adada had already satisfied every constitutional criterion needed for state creation. These include the essential parliamentary approval and subsequent presentation for a referendum to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in line with section 8 of the constitution.

Additionally, Chief James Ugwu, who chairs the Adada State Movement, highlighted that this push for Adada State did not begin recently. Rather, he traced its roots to 1970, when a formal request was submitted to then-Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, just after the Nigerian civil war.

Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North Senatorial District, reiterated that the proposal for Adada State fully aligns with the 1999 constitutional requirements and deserves the National Assembly’s immediate approval.

These stakeholders made their firm positions known during the South East Zonal public hearing for constitutional review in Enugu on Friday.

Nwodo cited Section 8(1) of the constitution, which stipulates that a new state may be created via an Act of the National Assembly, provided two-thirds of all legislators from the concerned area — including members of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate — sign on in support.

Submitting an amendment to facilitate Adada’s creation, Nwodo showed clear evidence that his people had satisfied all these constitutional demands. Legislators across Enugu State — councilors, state lawmakers, and National Assembly representatives — had endorsed the proposal, he said.

Nwodo also recalled that Adada State had already been recommended for creation during the 2014 National Conference led by Justice Idris Kutige, which endorsed it as the sole state deserving of creation. He stressed that Adada remains a highly viable candidate thanks to its abundant human talent and natural resources.

Furthermore, he emphasized that Adada is the most persistently agitated region in Nigeria yet to receive state status, despite other former provinces being granted states. Nsukka province, in particular, has not benefited from this arrangement.

According to Nwodo, the old Nsukka zone — historically known as Adada — is the only colonial-era district in northern Igbo land that was never made a state capital. Meanwhile, the southern parts of Igbo land have already secured three states, leaving the northern segment with just two.

He argued that fairness demands prioritizing Adada’s statehood, especially given its long struggle dating back to 1983 in the Senate, before any other southeastern state proposal.

“There are compelling reasons to create Adada State,” he declared. “First, in the last round of state creations, the northern Igbo area — covering Enugu and Ebonyi — only gained two states, while the southern Igbo secured three. Disparities like this breed frustration and resentment.”

He added, “Secondly, Igbos are a significant population within Nigeria, yet their true numbers are consistently undercounted. Over half of our people live outside Igboland, and virtually every part of Nigeria has a considerable Igbo community that contributes to its prosperity.”

Highlighting the demographic imbalance, Nwodo argued that Adada State comprises seven of Enugu’s 17 local government areas, with six based firmly in Adada territory and one in Enugu East senatorial district. Despite representing 54% of Enugu State’s population, the area has just six local governments, while other senatorial zones enjoy disproportionate representation.

He called this unfair: “Out of 17 LGAs, we only control six but account for 54% of the people. The other two senators represent only 22% each, while our senator serves 52% of the population. One local government was even shifted out to balance a senatorial district, further diluting our voice.”

Nwodo recalled that the Adada movement had sought National Assembly backing during the leadership of David Mark and Ahmed Lawan. Although they received hearings, state creation was not a government priority at the time.

He expressed hope that the current National Assembly, with its emphasis on inclusiveness, would deliver justice. “In 2014, Justice Idris Kutige’s constitutional conference explicitly endorsed Adada as the only state recommended,” he reminded lawmakers.

He also recounted how, when Achike Udenwa governed Imo State, the entire Igbo community gathered there to choose a priority state, unanimously resolving that Adada should be created. That resolution still stands today.

Describing Adada as a “neglected and wounded” part of the southeast, Nwodo cited the unfair federal executive representation. At the time the local government boundaries were drawn, only Silas Ilo and Jim Nwobodo represented their interests, resulting in a mere six LGAs for Adada’s majority population.

Nwodo appealed to the committee: “Daniel has come to judgment today. Let justice come through this National Assembly.”

He underscored Adada’s economic promise, mentioning oil and gas reserves in Uzo-Uwani that are being horizontally drilled by Anambra State. The area also holds immense agricultural potential, a navigable waterway linking to the Niger and Benue rivers, and a highly educated workforce thanks to institutions such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

“We have one of the best universities, producing professors who can manage the state efficiently,” he said. “I trust I have appealed to your conscience.”

Chief James Ugwu, Chairman of the Adada State Movement, reiterated that he still holds the 1970 petition that was sent to General Gowon for Adada’s creation.

He argued that forming Adada would correct long-standing inequities within Igbo land by giving the northern Igbo (Wawa people) three states, matching the southern Igbo’s three, and ensuring the southeast joins other geopolitical zones with six states each.

“Since we have fulfilled section 8(1) of the 1999 constitution, our next step should be a referendum supervised by INEC,” he insisted.

Senator Okey Ezea supported these sentiments, describing Adada as the only province in Nigeria yet to be granted statehood, and confirming that Adada alone meets the constitutional conditions under section 8, sub-section 1(a).