State creation: Enugu indigenes seek court order for referendum

Indigenes of Enugu State yesterday prayed a Federal High Court in Abuja to issue a mandatory order compelling the National Assembly to conduct referendum for the creation of Adada State from the state.

The suit was brought by Major General Godwin Ugwuoke (Rtd), Prof Igwe Ukpabi, Hon James Ugwu for themselves and members of Enugu State committee on the Actualization of Adada State, and Adada State Movement.

Arguing the originating summons, counsel to the applicants Offordile Okafor (SAN) said the indigenes have fulfilled the conditions set out in section 8(1) (a) of the 1999 Constitution and section 1(1), (2) of the Creation of States and Boundary Adjustment (Procedure Act Cap C37) 2004.

He said various submissions have been made towards the creation of Adada State and cited the March 16, 1983 application presented to the National Assembly by Yunusa Kaltungo; the Mbanefo committee report of 1996; the 2005 Political Reform Conference recommendation which was followed by a 10 member National Assembly committee voting where Adada got more votes than other requests.

He therefore prayed the court to compel both the Senate and House of Representatives to carry out their public and Constitutional duty by directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the referendum in Uzo-Uwani, Nsukka, IgboEze North and South, Udenu, Isi-Uzo, and Igbo-Etiti area councils.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola has reserved judgment for May.