South-east leaders back proposed creation of Anim State

Leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East have thrown their weight behind the proposed creation of ANIM state, as advocacy for the new state gathers momentum within the ongoing constitutional review process.

The renewed backing was highlighted during when delegation from Imo and Anambra states met with Benjamin Kalu, deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

The delegation included members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State movement and representatives of traditional institutions in the South-East.

Members of the delegation said their visit was primarily to express appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for his role in helping stakeholders across the South-East reach a consensus on the proposal after the region was requested to present a single option for state creation.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, said the proposal already enjoys broad backing from political leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials and other community stakeholders within the affected areas.

Izunaso also disclosed that the proposal had already gained legislative traction, noting that federal lawmakers representing constituencies in the affected areas had adopted resolutions endorsing the creation of the new state.

He added that discussions were already underway on the state’s projected capital, informing that the Imo State Government has constructed a Government House in Orlu as part of preparations for the possible creation of the state.

“If you enter Orlu today, you will hardly recognise the town. Internal roads have been rehabilitated, hospitals upgraded and universities are functioning well. We are ready and only waiting for the pronouncement of the state ” he said.

Izunaso further commended Kalu for providing leadership that enabled the South-East to settle on a unified position after the National Assembly committees on constitutional review requested the region to present one proposal for an additional state.

“When the National Assembly committees on constitutional review asked the South-East to produce one additional state, it was the Deputy Speaker who took the initiative, convened meetings and worked tirelessly until the region arrived at a consensus,” he said.

“He is not from Imo or Anambra, yet God used him to play this role at this critical time. That is why we came to appreciate him,” he added.

In his response, Kalu said the creation of new states should be viewed primarily as a pathway to development and improved governance rather than as a purely political objective.

He pointed out that the South-East currently remains the only geopolitical zone in the country with five states, while the others have six, describing the disparity as an issue that affects political balance and equitable representation within the federation.

The Deputy Speaker, however, emphasised that the process of creating a new state requires strategic engagement and consensus building across the country.

According to him, confrontational agitation or rhetoric about marginalisation would not be sufficient to achieve the objective.

“To achieve this is not through violence or shouting about marginalisation. It is through negotiation, building friendships and shaking hands across the Niger,” he said.

Kalu urged promoters of the ANIM State initiative to intensify consultations with lawmakers and political leaders from other geopolitical zones, stressing that their votes would be crucial when the proposal is eventually considered by the National Assembly.

“My vote alone cannot secure the state. In fact, I will not vote because I will be presiding. You must build friendships across the North, South-West and South-South because they will be in the chamber when the vote is called,” he said.

He also stressed the need for the support of all governors in the South-East, describing their endorsement as critical to advancing the proposal.

Kalu further advised stakeholders behind the proposal to remain open to adjustments that may arise during negotiations, including possible modifications to the territorial configuration of the proposed state.