Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has pledged to make the reintroduction of the Ethiope State Creation Bill a top legislative priority if he returns to the Senate in 2027.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Communications, Godwin Anaughe, Omo-Agege said efforts to advance the proposal during the 9th National Assembly were hindered by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which he said did not support the creation of new states.

According to the former senator, his position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review gave him firsthand knowledge of the executive’s opposition to state creation despite ongoing constitutional amendment discussions.

He noted that creating a new state requires strict constitutional procedures, broad political consensus and close cooperation between the National Assembly and the executive arm of government.

Omo-Agege expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Tinubu presents a fresh opportunity to actualise the proposal and urged lawmakers representing Delta Central to sponsor the Ethiope State Creation Bill.

The statement also criticised Senator Ede Dafinone over his handling of the campaign for the proposed state.

Omo-Agege pledged to work with the National Assembly, the Presidency and other key stakeholders to ensure the creation of Ethiope State if the bill is not passed before the 2027 general elections.