By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has given full support for the creation of a new state in the South East zone, describing it as a “necessity” to correct the long-standing imbalance in Nigeria’s federal structure.

Nwifuru stated this on Wednesday while briefing newsmen shortly after the State Executive Council meeting held at the Executive Council Chambers, New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

He said the South East deserves an additional state to bring it at par with other geopolitical zones in the country.

“Yes, I would like another state to be created in the South East because it is a necessity for the region,” Nwifuru stated. “It will help to address the imbalance we have seen over the years.”

The South East remains the only region in Nigeria with five states, while others have six or more a situation that leaders from the zone have long described as politically disadvantageous.

Reacting to speculations that Ebonyi State may lose three local government areas to the proposed new state, Governor Nwifuru declined to make any categorical comment, saying he had not received any official communication on the matter.

“I am no longer in the legislature; I am now in the executive,” he said. “I have not seen any document on that, and I cannot respond to a document I did not see.”

On the issue of youths using social media to insult state stakeholders and elders, the governor expressed concern over the growing trend, warning that such behaviour was unbecoming and culturally unacceptable.

“People are cashing out,” Nwifuru noted. “Our youths are venturing into insulting their elders, but they should know the traditional outcomes of insulting their elders.”