Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has backed the creation of Anioma State from Delta State, arguing that it would provide equal representation for the South-East in Nigeria’s governance. Currently, the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while others have at least six, leading to claims of Igbo marginalization in national politics.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu stated: “Anioma are Igbos, and they never said they are not Igbos. The sixth South-East state should be created, and it should be from Anioma.” His statement aligns with a long-standing demand for equal state representation in Nigeria.
Ned Nwoko’s Anioma State Proposal: A Push for Equity
The proposal for Anioma State creation is championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North. He insists that the move is necessary to “correct a historical oversight” and ensure fair political representation.
Currently, South-East lawmakers have only 15 seats in the Senate, compared to 18 for other regions. This imbalance affects federal resource allocation and political influence. If approved, Anioma State would be created from nine local government areas in Delta State, expanding the South-East’s influence.
Why Creating Anioma State Faces Political Challenges
Despite strong backing, the Anioma State creation proposal faces hurdles. The Senate Constitution Review Committee recently rejected all 31 state creation proposals, citing constitutional limitations. The rejection highlights the difficulty of altering Nigeria’s geopolitical structure, which requires widespread legislative and political support.
While Kalu and Nwoko continue to push for Anioma State, the larger debate about South-East marginalization and equal political representation in Nigeria remains unresolved. The success of this proposal depends on future legislative efforts and national consensus.
