The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has expressed suppirt for the creation of Anioma State.
It said that the creation of Anioma State, made up of the 13 Igbo-speaking areas of Delta State, would not only ensure equity but also address the problem of marginalisation of the Igbo.
In a letter to President Bola Tinubu, signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, secretary General, Prof Chubikeya Achokawa. Chairman, Ohanaeze Committee on States Creation, High Chief Alexander Chikalue Okemiri, Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Committee on States Creation, Prof. Obasi Igwe, member, Ohanaeze Elders Committee on States Creation, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Director-General, United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide, and Member, Ohanaeze Committee on States Creation and Prince Eze Ozobu. Chairman, Ohanaeze Elders Committee on States Creation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said the creation of Anioma State would “redress the longstanding marginalisation of the Anioma peoples themselves, the Southeast geopolitical zone, and a substantial component of Your Excellency’s Igbo citizens.”
The group said its letter to Tinubu is aimed at addressing “one important aspect of the historical grievances, long-standing systemic marginalizations, inequitable deprivations, and the continuous injustices directed against the Igbo as a whole, and the Southeast geopolitical zone, one of the dominant elements of the Igbo ethnic nationality, in particular, concerning the number of States and Local Government Areas, which has all along been the basis of the distribution of the national wealth to the deliberate and obvious disadvantage of Your Excellency’s Igbo and Southeast peoples.”
Ohanaeze said that pending the restructuring of Nigeria, “we advocate for the creation of an ANIOMA STATE, as a sixth State specifically dedicated to the Southeast, to equalize with most other geopolitical zones.”
According to it, “the current administrative arrangement in Nigeria, a deliberate disproportionate distribution of administrative units, with the Southeast having merely five States and 95 Local Government Areas, in stark contrast to others, is heavily weighing against the progress of the area; a deficit that not only underscores the historical political marginalisation of the Southeast but also hampering equitable representation of her peoples, and the resource allocations crucial for the development of the region.”
Ohanaeze said that “over the years, the Southeast has consistently been at the worst end of the general neglect in the country that your administration has promised to correct, with her peoples receiving the least share in national resources and opportunities.”
It said that since the restoration of democracy in 1999, “Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been employing every legitimate channel to engage the administrations over the pressing need for an ‘equaliser’ or sixth State for the Southeast. Despite these efforts, a well-articulated demand for an Aba State under former President Muhammadu Buhari regrettably faced obstacles from within that thwarted the endeavors. Today, with your administration, Mr. President, we perceive a rare beacon of hope for the realization of the long-cherished aspirations of the Southeast.
“We firmly believe that the creation of an ANIOMA STATE, drawn from the present-day Delta State, will not only address some of the historical grievances and governance imbalances, but also enhance social cohesion and economic development within both Anioma and the remnant Delta State that would now be favoured with two poles of development and two capital cities.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo are aware of the demands for Aba, Adada, Etiti, Njaba, Orashi, and Orlu States, each of which has their merits, but, after extensive evaluations, we unequivocally recommend ANIOMA STATE as the most important among them, both economically and culturally. The other States can be added in case other zones benefit from new States that disrupt the balance that Anioma provides.
“The ANIOMA people, with shared kinship and cultural lineage with the Southeast, the initiative is not merely practical but a significant unification of identity and heritage within the geopolitical zone.
“Mr. President, we place our implicit trust in your capable leadership, and have confidence that your track record as a progressive and foresighted leader would help advance our cause for the creation of the ANIOMA STATE. A Presidential approval and endorsement shall serve as a historic affirmation of your commitment to inclusivity and equity for the long marginalized Southeast region of our dear country, and position your administration as a harbinger of hope for the entire Igbo nation.”
