South-East Leaders Rally Behind ANIM State Creation as Constitutional Review Advances
Leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria's South-East region have united in a significant show of support for the proposed creation of ANIM State, marking a pivotal development in the ongoing constitutional review process. This initiative has garnered robust backing from political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives, with Orlu already being prepared as a potential capital city.
Delegation Demonstrates Unified Backing for New State
On March 11, a delegation comprising members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State movement, and representatives of traditional institutions met with Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution. Speaking on behalf of the group, Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) highlighted that the proposal enjoys widespread support from political leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials, and community stakeholders. He noted that federal lawmakers from the affected areas have adopted resolutions endorsing the state's creation.
Izunaso further revealed that discussions are actively underway regarding the state's projected capital, pointing out that the Imo State Government has already constructed a Government House in Orlu. "If you enter Orlu today, you will hardly recognise the town. Internal roads have been rehabilitated, hospitals upgraded, and universities are functioning well. We are ready and only waiting for the pronouncement of the state," he stated, underscoring the region's preparedness.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu's Role in Fostering Consensus
Senator Izunaso commended Deputy Speaker Kalu for his leadership in helping the South-East reach a consensus after the National Assembly committees on constitutional review requested the region to present a single proposal for state creation. "When the National Assembly committees on constitutional review asked the South-East to produce one additional state, it was the Deputy Speaker who took the initiative, convened meetings, and worked tirelessly until the region arrived at a consensus," he explained.
In his response, Kalu stressed that the creation of new states should be viewed as a pathway to development and improved governance, rather than a purely political objective. He highlighted that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, while others have six, describing this as an imbalance in political representation. Kalu emphasized that achieving the creation of ANIM State requires negotiation and consensus building across the country. "To achieve this is not through violence or shouting about marginalisation. It is through negotiation, building friendships, and shaking hands across the Niger," he asserted.
Call for Broader Consultations and Legislative Support
The Deputy Speaker urged promoters of the ANIM State initiative to intensify consultations with lawmakers and political leaders from other geopolitical zones, stressing that their votes will be crucial when the proposal is considered by the National Assembly. He also underlined the importance of support from all South-East governors and advised stakeholders to remain open to adjustments during negotiations, including possible modifications to the territorial configuration of the proposed state.
This development comes as several bills proposing the creation of new states in Nigeria have successfully passed the second reading at the House of Representatives, signaling growing momentum for constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring the geopolitical landscape. The unified stance from South-East leaders represents a critical step forward in addressing regional representation and fostering national cohesion through democratic processes.
