TO allow for even development and unity, the Imo state Governor Achike Udenwa has approved the creation of 172 new autonomous communities in the state.

The okayed new communities are spread across the three senatorial zones in the state namely, Owerri, Orhu and Okigwe.

The State House of Assembly had few months ago passed a bill for the creation of additional autonomous communities following the avalanche of demands for them.

In a statement, the secretary to The State Government (SSG) Ignatius Umunna said top on the list of communities created are Aboh Mbaise and Mbaitolu (in Owerri senatorial district) councils which have 15 autonomous communities each Ikeduru and Ngor Okpala councils got six each while Owerri north and Owerri West councils have four newly created communities each. All in the Owerri zone.

The statement further stated that in the Okigwe zone, Ehime Mbano Onuimo councils have ten new communities each.

Isiala Mbano councils has four new communities, Nwangele local government also has four new communities.

Others created include Okigwe six, Ihutte Uboma, three, Obowo eight.

In Orlu zone, Ideato North and Ideato South got five and four respectively. While Nwangele council has four newly created communities.

Orlu Oru East and Njaba councils have seven approved while Ohaji/Egbema and Isu councils got six new communities.

Ehime Mbano local government area has the second highest number with additional 13 communities while Oru West and Onuimo got additional 10 new communities.

The statement said that plebiscite would be conducted in communities which have not be granted autonomy to determine the genuineness of their claim. The communities include Uzueze I West, Ehime, Ezeoma Oruala, Ozuakoli Oruala, Owerri Municipal, Okirika Nwankwo Chite Ebube.

Relatedly the Mbaitoli autonomous community in Mbantol council in the state they coronated Oliver Nwaozuzu as the new traditional ruler.