There are growing indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of only one additional state once the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly conclude the ongoing constitutional and legislative processes.
According to Vanguard, strong signals from Abuja suggest that Anioma State is currently the leading contender for approval, a move proponents believe would help address long-standing feelings of marginalisation among the South-East geopolitical zone.
Vanguard gathered on Monday in Abuja that consultations have reached an advanced stage among key political and regional stakeholders, including groups opposed to listing the proposed state among South-East states.
Despite these objections, sources close to the Presidency revealed that Anioma remains the most viable option under consideration.
The development comes amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, for sustained and united support from Ndigbo toward the actualisation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East.
Opposition has, however, persisted from some groups within Delta State, who argue that Anioma should be created within the South-South geopolitical zone, which would increase the number of states in that region to seven.
This contrasts with the South-East, which currently has only five states, making it the zone with the least number of states in the federation.
Presidency sources told Vanguard that Anioma is the only proposal receiving serious consideration, adding that the decision is largely driven by the need to correct perceived structural imbalance within the federation.
“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general,” one source disclosed.
“Mr President is fully aware of the arguments for and against the creation of the state, but he considers Anioma the most viable among the various requests for state creation.
“He is also keen on achieving geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly to address the sense of marginalisation expressed by Ndigbo, whose region currently has the fewest states.”
The source further dismissed agitation for the creation of a proposed ‘Anim-Oma State’, which would merge parts of Anioma in Delta State with areas in Imo and Anambra states, with Orlu suggested as capital.
Under the prevailing plan, Anioma State would instead emerge as the sixth South-East state, with Asaba as its capital, subject to any last-minute changes.
While the timing of a proposed meeting between President Tinubu and key stakeholders remains uncertain, presidential insiders disclosed that such engagement would likely follow consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, who are reportedly favourably disposed to the proposal.
Reacting to the development, Senator Ned Nwoko expressed optimism that the long-standing agitation would soon be realised.
“This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention and support,” he said. “It is a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.
“The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh. It is therefore not a coincidence that over 90 senators have declared their total support for the creation of Anioma State.”
Source: Vanguard News
