The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC), Worldwide, has formally urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the creation of Anioma State, emphasizing its significance for regional and national development.
In a statement titled “United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, Worldwide Continues to Unequivocally Advocate and Endorse the Creation of Anioma State,” the council highlighted their unwavering support for the proposal. The document, signed by UNIEC’s Director-General, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Director of Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, and eleven other signatories, underscored the importance of Anioma State while maintaining that they are not opposed to the creation of other states in the South-East.
“We are not against the creation of Aba, Adada, Etiti, Njaba, Orashi, Orlu, or any other state in the Southeast,” the statement read. “However, we firmly advocate for Anioma State as a top priority due to the unique circumstances surrounding the areas proposed for the new state.”
The council expressed their belief that the Igbo people have historically been marginalized within Nigeria’s sociopolitical framework. They argued that the establishment of Anioma State would address some of these injustices and serve as a critical step toward equitable development.
UNIEC also referenced their public endorsement of Anioma State at the Asaba Stakeholders Summit on August 31, 2024, where they sought broad support for the initiative. The council formally appealed to President Tinubu to consider the creation of Anioma State as a matter of national importance.
The statement outlined several anticipated benefits of Anioma State, including fostering balanced development in the region and across Nigeria. UNIEC described the creation as a legitimate aspiration of the Anioma people and urged all Nigerians of goodwill to support the cause.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to the broader aspirations of the Igbo nation while calling for fairness and inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance and development agenda.
Comments