Anioma State Demand: Uzodinma Accused of Sabotaging Igbo Unity Through 'Anim State'
Chief Omenazu Jackson has issued a scathing critique of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, accusing him of undermining the legitimate and historic demand for the creation of Anioma State. In a strongly worded statement, Jackson asserts that Uzodinma's alleged promotion of an alternative "Anim State" is a calculated and provocative move that threatens the collective interests of the Igbo people.
Historical Roots and Identity of Anioma
The Anioma question is deeply rooted in justice, identity, equity, and the urgent need to correct a structural imbalance deliberately imposed on the Igbo nation. For decades, Ndigbo has endured fragmentation across Delta, Rivers, Edo, and other regions, yet they have remained resilient. The Anioma people are Igbo by blood, culture, ancestry, and destiny, with ties that predate colonial rule and have been sustained for centuries.
However, administrative restructuring in Nigeria, particularly after the Civil War, resulted in their separation from the core Igbo areas. This separation did not erase their identity, and no artificial geopolitical boundary can negate this truth. Jackson emphasizes that the demand for Anioma State is non-negotiable and represents a critical step toward reuniting a major segment of Igbo people artificially separated since the war.
The 'Anim State' Diversion and Political Ambitions
Jackson raises alarm over what he describes as a subtle promotion of "Anim State" instead of Anioma State. He questions the motives behind this alternative construct, suggesting it serves as a political empire for Governor Uzodinma and his associates. According to Jackson, this misguided quest is not about Igbo interest but driven by personal political ambition, greed, and selfishness.
There is a growing perception that this diversion is strategically designed to pave the way for Uzodinma's return to the Senate and ultimately to the position of Senate President. Jackson warns that no personal ambition, no matter how lofty, should be pursued at the expense of the collective destiny of Ndigbo. He argues that Anim State lacks a coherent historical narrative and does not command broad consensus among the people it purports to represent.
Strategic Benefits of Anioma State
In contrast, Anioma State offers substantial strategic advantages for the Igbo nation. It would reunite a major segment of Igbo people, significantly increase the Igbo population base by adding approximately 4 million people, and expand the geographical footprint of Ala Igbo. This expansion would unlock vast human and natural resources for economic growth.
Anioma State would also strategically position Igbo land for access to the sea through the River Niger, opening new frontiers for commerce and industrialization while adding 7,000 square miles to the land mass. Jackson stresses that at a time when former President Muhammadu Buhari once dismissed Igbo land as "a dot in the map," it is illogical and dangerous to pursue policies that further divide rather than expand that dot.
Leadership Failures and Call to Action
Jackson criticizes Uzodinma's leadership in Imo State, describing it as a theatre of instability with communities destabilized, families displaced, and citizens forced into exile. He questions the benefits of such leadership and asserts that failing to protect lives represents a grave failure of responsibility.
He calls on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, political leaders, and all well-meaning Ndigbo to resist any attempt to derail the Anioma project. Jackson commends the Governors of Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra States for placing Igbo interest above narrow considerations and urges unity in defending the future of the Igbo people.
In a direct message to Uzodinma, Jackson demands an end to the political diversion and obstruction, stating that history is watching and posterity will judge. He concludes that Anioma State represents justice, identity, and destiny, and no individual ambition should override the will of the people.
