Orji Kalu: Igbos need a sixth state — Anioma creation overdue

Orji Kalu, the senator representing Abia north, has backed the creation of Anioma from Delta as the sixth state from the south-east geopolitical zone.

The south-east region is the only zone in Nigeria with five states. Political leaders in the region have been insistent on the creation of a sixth state for balance.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Kalu said the creation of another south-east state to be called ‘Anioma’ is long overdue.

The senator added that a sixth south-east state would help address grievances arising from the perceived marginalisation of the Igbo people.

“Of course, Anioma state should be created as the sixth south-east state. It’s the only state that will be viable to be created,” Kalu said.

“Aniomas are Igbos and they never said they are not Igbos. The sixth south-east state should be created, and it should be from Anioma.”

On June 10, 2024, Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, proposed Anioma as a new state, stating that its creation would “correct historical oversight”.

Nwoko, who made the call on his X page, said establishing Anioma state would help resolve Nigeria’s geopolitical imbalance.

“This disparity results in an imbalance of representation and resources, with the south-east having only 15 lawmakers compared to the 18 lawmakers of other zones in the senate,” he said.

“This inequity affects legislative representation and the distribution of national resources, perpetuating a longstanding injustice.”

The house of representatives constitutional review committee rejected all 31 state creation proposals, citing failure to meet constitutional requirements.

On Monday, the committee extended the deadline for the resubmission of proposals for the creation of new states from March 5-26.