The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice-Chairman, South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has called on the National Assembly to urgently fast-track the creation of Anim State, insisting the long-awaited move would correct a five-decade imbalance that has left the South-East with only five states.
The proposed state, already through second reading in the Senate, is sponsored by Senator Osita Izunaso. Arodiogbu described the bill as a historic opportunity to address what he termed a “glaring structural injustice” in Nigeria’s federation.
In a statement personally signed, Arodiogbu commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Izunaso for their “uncommon courage” in tackling the long-standing disparity.
“This imbalance is not a mere statistic; it directly affects representation — fewer senators, fewer House members, fewer federal constituencies and fewer appointments to federal boards and parastatals,” he said.
He argued that the communities earmarked for the proposed Anim State share deep cultural and historical ties, adding that statehood would simply formalise a unity that predates colonial boundaries.
“Long before the British drew arbitrary lines in 1914, these towns and villages saw themselves as one family,” he noted.
Arodiogbu added that the creation of the new state would ease long-running grievances in the region and demonstrate that the Nigerian system is capable of righting historic wrongs.
He also highlighted the economic potential of the proposed state — from Oguta’s oil belt to the agriculturally rich Njaba–Oru axis — describing it as a boost for job creation and regional growth.
“Palm plantations abandoned after the civil war can be revived with modern mills to generate thousands of rural jobs,” he said.
According to him, both Anambra and Imo would become leaner and more efficient to govern, while the South-East would gain stronger national representation through additional Senate and House seats.
“Every index of representation will improve, and the South-East will finally speak with the weight it deserves,” he stated.
The APC chieftain expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would sign the bill once it reaches his desk, citing his pattern of inclusive governance.
Arodiogbu urged lawmakers to resist any delay or political manoeuvres that might stall the process.
“Do not allow vested interests or last-minute tactics to derail this train,” he warned.
He stressed that communities in the affected areas have waited since 1967 for recognition and urged the 10th National Assembly to seize the moment.
“Pass the bill for Anim State and let justice and fairness prevail,” he added.
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