Abuja — There are growing indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the creation of only one new state after the National Assembly and State Assemblies conclude the ongoing constitutional and legislative processes.
Findings suggest that Anioma State is the leading candidate under serious consideration, a move proponents say would address long-standing concerns of imbalance and marginalisation faced by the South-East.
Vanguard gathered in Abuja that consultations have reached an advanced stage among key political stakeholders, including those opposed to the proposed state being listed under the South-East geopolitical zone.
The development comes amid renewed calls by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, urging Ndigbo to rally unified support for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East.
The proposal, however, has continued to generate controversy within Delta State, where some groups oppose Anioma’s inclusion in the South-East. These groups argue instead that the state should remain in the South-South, which would increase the number of states in that zone to seven.
Currently, the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with just five states, a situation many stakeholders describe as structurally unfair.
Sources close to the Presidency disclosed that Anioma State is the only proposal receiving serious attention, with the plan aimed at correcting geopolitical imbalance and addressing the grievances of the Igbo people.
“Anioma State is being considered to compensate the South-East and Ndigbo in general,” a presidential source said. “The President is aware of all arguments, but Anioma stands out as the most viable and politically balanced option.”
The source also dismissed calls for the creation of a proposed Anim-Oma State, which would merge parts of Delta, Imo and Anambra states, with Orlu as capital, describing it as unworkable under the current framework.
Under the prevailing proposal, Anioma State would emerge as the sixth South-East state, with Asaba retained as its capital, barring any last-minute changes.
Although no date has been fixed for a proposed stakeholders’ meeting with President Tinubu, sources confirmed that discussions would follow consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly, which is reportedly favourably disposed to the idea.
Reacting to the development, Senator Nwoko expressed optimism that the agitation would soon yield results.
“This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention,” he said. “It is a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.”
He added that the Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state, noting that over 90 senators have reportedly declared support for its creation.
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