Leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-east have thrown their weight behind the proposed creation of ANIM State
Leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-east have intensified the push for the creation of ANIM State, rallying political, traditional and community support for the proposal currently before the National Assembly as part of the ongoing constitutional review.
The renewed backing was highlighted during a meeting in Abuja between a delegation from Imo and Anambra states and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution.
The delegation said it visited the deputy speaker to express appreciation for his role in helping South-east stakeholders reach a consensus on the proposed state.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, said the delegation represented communities across Imo and Anambra states advocating the creation of ANIM State.
“We have come here in a representative capacity from Imo State and Anambra State that are looking for this state called ANIM State,” he said.
Izunaso explained that 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 from the region.
According to him, the agitation has gained broad support among political leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials and community stakeholders across the affected areas.
He added that the campaign has already gathered legislative backing, noting that federal lawmakers from constituencies expected to form the new state have passed resolutions endorsing the proposal.
The senator further disclosed that preparations for the anticipated state had begun, particularly in the proposed capital area.
“The Imo State Government has already built a Government House in Orlu in preparation for the pronouncement of ANIM State,” he said.
“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.”
Izunaso also commended the deputy speaker for facilitating dialogue among South-east leaders after the National Assembly asked the region to present a single 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.
Responding, Rep. Kalu said the creation of new states should be viewed as a strategic tool for development and inclusive governance rather than a purely political pursuit.
“State creation is not just about having a new status. It is an instrument of development that ensures the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots,” he said.
He noted that the South-east remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while other regions have six, a situation he said affects political balance and representation in the federation.
“When you look at the comparative analysis of the geopolitical zones, only one region — the South-East is lagging behind. It ought not to be so,” Rep. Kalu said.
The deputy speaker, however, stressed that achieving the creation of ANIM State would require broad national support and sustained engagement with lawmakers across the country.
“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.
He urged promoters of the proposal to intensify consultations beyond the South-east, noting that lawmakers from other geopolitical zones would ultimately decide the fate of the proposal during voting.
“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.
Kalu also emphasised the need to secure the backing of South-east governors, describing their support as crucial to the success of the initiative.
“You cannot do this alone without involving the governors of the South-east. All the governors, especially those from the affected areas, must be part of the agreement,” he added.
He further advised stakeholders to remain open to adjustments during negotiations, noting that the proposed territorial configuration could change during the legislative process if necessary.
“If the powers that be recommend expanding the territorial parameters to accommodate broader interests, it should be accepted. What matters is achieving development and progress,” he said.
