In a bold move to address regional imbalances, former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has called for the creation of a sixth state in the Southeast geopolitical zone. Speaking at a public forum in Abuja on Tuesday, Kalu emphasized that the proposed Anioma State, carved out of the present Delta State, is long overdue and crucial for the development of the Igbo nation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that Kalu’s push for the creation of Anioma State stems from the longstanding disparity in state representation between the Southeast and other regions in Nigeria. While the Northwest boasts seven states, the Southeast has only five, a situation Kalu described as “unjust and detrimental to the region’s political and economic growth.”
According to Naija247news, the Anioma people, who are of Igbo descent, reside in Delta State and have consistently advocated for their own state. Kalu argued that the creation of Anioma State would not only address the marginalization of the Southeast but also foster unity and development among the Igbo people. “The Igbos need a sixth state to balance the equation and ensure fair representation in national affairs,” Kalu stated.
Naija247news understands that the call for Anioma State has gained traction among political leaders and stakeholders in the Southeast. Kalu revealed that he has already initiated discussions with key figures in the National Assembly to push for a constitutional amendment that would facilitate the creation of the new state. “This is not just about politics; it’s about justice and equity for the Igbo nation,” he added.
The proposal, however, has sparked mixed reactions. While many Igbo leaders have thrown their weight behind Kalu’s initiative, some critics argue that the focus should be on restructuring the entire federation rather than creating new states. Naija247news reports that Kalu dismissed such concerns, insisting that the creation of Anioma State is a step in the right direction.
As the debate continues, Kalu urged the federal government and the National Assembly to prioritize the issue, noting that the Southeast’s development hinges on equitable representation. “The time for Anioma State is now,” he declared, echoing the sentiments of many in the region.
Naija247news reports that the push for Anioma State is expected to dominate discussions in the coming months, as stakeholders await further legislative action.
