By; Hon. Dr. David Nwaenyi
The latest remarks by Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, distancing Delta North from proposals to relocate Anioma into the South East, bring much-needed clarity to an issue that has too often been framed with sentiment rather than constitutional logic. According to him, the nine LGAs in Delta North Senatorial District prefer Anioma as a 7th state within the South South, not a transfer into another geopolitical zone. That position aligns with the principles of self-determination, balance, and federal equity.
Against this backdrop, the proposition by Senator Prince Ned Nwoko to zone Anioma into the South East is fundamentally flawed. State creation in Nigeria is not a cultural migration exercise; it is a constitutional process guided by clear requirements; local consent, legislative approvals, and regional balance. Attempting to “move” Anioma into the South East to satisfy the zone’s deficit undermines both due process and the expressed will of the people in Delta North.
Let us be clear: the South East’s case for a sixth state is valid, urgent, and non-negotiable. It is the only geopolitical zone with five states, while others have six or more. This imbalance affects representation in the National Assembly, federal appointments, and the distribution of national resources. Equity cannot be achieved by reallocating territories from another zone; it must be achieved by creating a new state within the South East; ANIM State, as proposed and submitted by stakeholders of the region.
The ANIM State proposal is not a reactionary idea; it is the product of broad consultations, public hearings, and regional consensus. It reflects a home-grown solution designed to correct a structural imbalance without creating fresh tensions elsewhere. Anything short of this risks substituting one injustice for another.
True justice in a federation means respecting the choices of constituent communities while ensuring fair representation across all zones. If the Anioma people choose to remain in the South South and pursue their own state there, that choice must be respected. Simultaneously, the South East must not be denied its rightful place in the federation.
The path forward is simple and principled:
• Respect the will of Delta North regarding Anioma’s location; and
• Approve ANIM State for the South East to restore balance, deepen inclusion, and strengthen national cohesion.
Nigeria does not need clever shortcuts it needs courageous fairness. Equity, balance, and justice will only be served when the South East receives its sixth state.
~ Dr. David Nwaenyi
(Ugwudinanwa)
National Publicity Secretary, ANIM State Creation Movement
