Anioma Movement Hails National Assembly for Approving New South-East State, Calls It a Step Toward Equity

The Anioma State Creation Movement has commended the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review for endorsing the proposal to establish an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The group described the committee’s decision as a “bold and historic step” toward promoting justice, fairness, and balance in the country’s federal structure. The resolution, announced at a two-day retreat in Lagos, came after the review of 55 proposals for new state creation across Nigeria. The session was chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.

In a statement signed by its Media Director, Tonnie Oganah, the Anioma Movement said the committee’s recommendation marks a major milestone in the long-standing agitation for parity among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The group lauded lawmakers for recognizing what it called the Southeast’s “legitimate demand for equity and inclusion” in the national framework.

According to the statement, “Anioma people support the proposal as the first step toward equalizing the Igbo nation in Nigeria.” It also praised Senator Ned Nwoko for his continued efforts to actualize the creation of Anioma State, describing him as the “living convener” of the movement and the torchbearer of the vision once championed by the late Dennis Osadebe, Nigeria’s first Premier of the Mid-West Region.

The group argued that the creation of Anioma State would strengthen political and economic empowerment for the Igbo people and enhance balance in Nigeria’s federal system. It reiterated that for equity and stability, each of the six zones should have seven states, matching the Northwest.

Dismissing concerns about the financial burden of new states, the group maintained that Nigeria’s challenge is not a lack of funds but mismanagement. “People say there is no money to create new states, but that is not true. The last federal allocation was over ₦2 trillion. If funds are managed with transparency and accountability, Nigeria will thrive,” it said.

Oganah added that the creation of new states would stimulate job creation and drive development at the grassroots level, stating, “More states mean more opportunities, more governance structures, and more employment for Nigerians.”

On cultural identity, the group reaffirmed that Anioma naturally belongs to the Southeast, citing shared language, traditions, and customs. “Anioma people speak Igbo, observe the four market days, wear the red cap, and bear Igbo names. Though we have lived in the South-South, our roots remain clearly Igbo,” it stated.

Concluding, the Anioma Movement described the National Assembly’s decision as a sign of renewed hope for fairness, unity, and inclusivity in Nigeria, asserting that “a balanced federation will make Nigeria stronger, more united, and more prosperous.”