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Senator Ned Nwoko, a prominent voice in the National Assembly, has sponsored a motion to carve out Anioma State from the existing Delta State, a move conceived to address the long-standing issue of underrepresentation in the South-East.
On Monday, the senator’s official X page was abuzz with news of his groundbreaking motion to create Anioma State, with Senator Nwoko himself describing the proposal as “vital and pressing” in a statement that set the tone for a lively debate.
Senator Nwoko asserts that his motion aims to rectify the enduring disparity in Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape, where the distribution of states has long been a subject of contention and inequity.
By championing the creation of Anioma State, Senator Nwoko seeks to address a glaring historical imbalance, ensuring that all geopolitical zones enjoy equal status and opportunities, thereby fostering a more united and equitable nation.
Read also: 10th Assembly: Ned Nwoko Makes Strong Case For South East
“The creation of Anioma state is a crucial step towards achieving justice and equity for the South-East,” said Mr Nwoko.
The senator highlighted a striking anomaly in the country’s political architecture, where the South-East zone was shortchanged with the fewest number of states, leading to a palpable imbalance in national representation and resource distribution.
“This proposal addresses the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria. The South-East geopolitical zone currently has five states, unlike its counterparts, except for the North West, which has seven states,” he said.
Mr Nwoko said his motion for the creation of the new state had gained support from several influential figures.
“With the majority of stakeholders in agreement, it is time to act and bring Anioma state into existence, correct the past imbalances and ensure fair representation in national affairs,” he said.
The senator argued that the lack of fairness was also reflected in the legislative representation and distribution of national resources.
His statement partly read, “Anioma is composed of nine local government areas, six of which are rich in oil and gas resources. The region also boasts significant human capital, making it a viable and sustainable candidate for statehood. Creating Anioma state is not just about increasing the number of states; it is about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the South-East.
“The call for Anioma state has widespread support from various stakeholders. The Anioma socio-cultural group, Izu Anioma, and the Pan Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Indi Igbo, have both been vocal in their advocacy for this cause.
The statement also noted that Anioma’s political leaders, joined by traditional rulers under the leadership of the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, have unwaveringly advocated for the creation of Anioma state, reiterating their collective position through multiple conferences and discussions, notably with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.