A TikTok video has claimed that a new state — Orlu — has been created in the southeastern part of Nigeria.
The 4-minute video in Igbo language has over 31,000 views, 5,057 comments, and 3,889 shares.
According to the video by @marahchi, Nigeria now has 37 states instead of 36 states.
She went on to list the states affected by the creation of the purported Orlu state.
“Are you people awake? This news about passing a bill two days ago, saying that instead of having 36 states in Nigeria, we now have 37 states and capital. So, a new state was created. For those who don’t understand English, let me break it down for you. They have created a new state called Orlu state,” she said.
“It was created from parts of Abia state, Imo, and Anambra state that were joined together and called Orlu state.
“If you are from Anambra, look around you to ascertain if you are part of the people to join the new Orlu state. So, these towns I will call out now, you people are no longer from Anambra state, you people are now from Orlu.
“Town like Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku, Nwangele, Nkwere, New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Alaoma, Owerrebiri, Oguta, Isu, Arondizuogu, Ideato north, Ideato south, Njaba, Oru east, Orsu.”
@marahchi
The claim has also been shared on X and Facebook.
HAS ORLU STATE BEEN CREATED IN SOUTH-EAST?
On June 5, a bill seeking to create a new state in the south-east scaled the first reading during plenary at the house of representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member representing Ideato north and Ideato south federal constituency, sought the creation of Orlu state.
The new state will be carved out of parts of Anambra, Imo and Abia states, according to the draft bill.
Within the six geopolitical zones in the country, south-east has only five states, while others have 6 states with only north-west having 7 states.
As a country practising a bi-cameral legislature (two-chamber legislature), a bill — a draft meant to be passed into law — must pass through the two chambers — senate and house of representatives — before it is approved.
The bill is also expected to pass through three readings by both houses with public contributions from concerned parties before it can be passed or rejected.
After it has been passed by the two chambers, it is subsequently sent to the president for assent.
VERDICT
The claim that a new state has been created in the south-east is false.
The bill has only passed the first reading — which is its introduction into the legislative system.
