Southeast leaders seek national support for proposed ANIM State
Southeast indigenes across the country have backed the proposed creation of ANIM State. They sought national support for the initiative to become a reality. The push was highlighted during a
Southeast indigenes across the country have backed the proposed creation of ANIM State.
They sought national support for the initiative to become a reality.
The push was highlighted during a meeting in Abuja between a delegation from Imo and Anambra states and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Speaking for the delegation, Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) said the group represented communities from both states working for the creation of ANIM State.
“We have come here in a representative capacity from Imo and Anambra states that are looking for ANIM State,” he said.
Izunaso said the delegation included members of the Imo and Anambra Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State movement and representatives of traditional institutions.
He added that federal lawmakers from the affected constituencies had passed resolutions endorsing the proposal.
The lawmaker announced that groundwork had begun for the proposed state, with infrastructure development underway in the proposed capital area.
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“The Imo State government has already built a Government House in Orlu in preparation for the pronouncement of ANIM State.
“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,” he said.
Izunaso said the visit was also meant to praise the Deputy Speaker for facilitating consensus among Southeast stakeholders after the region was asked to present a single proposal for an additional state.
Kalu, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, said state creation should be seen as a tool for development and inclusive governance.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker noted that the Southeast was the only geopolitical zone with five states, while the others have six.
“When you look at the comparative analysis of the geopolitical zones, only one region, the Southeast, is lagging behind. It ought not to be so,” he said.
Kalu stressed that achieving the goal would require diplomacy and national consensus.
“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.
The Deputy Speaker urged promoters of the ANIM State proposal to expand consultations beyond the Southeast, noting that lawmakers from other regions would decide its fate 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, the Southwest and the Southsouth because they will be in the chamber when the vote is called,” he said.
Kalu also stressed the need for the new state’s proponents to secure the support of all Southeast governors.
“You cannot do this alone without involving the governors of the Southeast. All the governors, especially those from the affected areas, must be part of the agreement,” he added.
Kalu also advised stakeholders to remain flexible during negotiations.
“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,” the Deputy Speaker added.
