President Tinubu Weighs Anioma State Approval to Tackle Southeast Marginalization
Indications have surfaced that President Bola Tinubu may be moving toward approving the creation of a single new state in Nigeria, following the completion of necessary legislative processes by both the National and State Assemblies. According to emerging reports, the president is seriously considering the establishment of Anioma State, a move that proponents argue would help alleviate persistent feelings of marginalization among the people of the Southeast geopolitical zone.
Advanced Consultations Amid Regional Opposition
Sources within the presidency have revealed that consultations regarding the proposed Anioma State have reached an advanced stage, involving various interest groups. These discussions are particularly focused on addressing opposition from certain Delta State groups who object to Anioma being listed as part of the Southeast region. These Delta-based organizations maintain that the proposed state should instead be incorporated into the South-South geopolitical zone, which would increase that region's state count to seven.
This development coincides with renewed advocacy from Senator Ned Nwoko, who has called for unified and sustained support from the Ndigbo community for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the Southeast. Currently, the Southeast region comprises only five states, giving it the smallest number of states among Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, a situation that has fueled longstanding grievances about regional imbalance.
Addressing Historical Imbalances and Marginalization
Presidential sources indicate that Anioma State represents the only new state proposal currently under serious consideration for creation, with plans for it to emerge specifically as the sixth state within the Southeast geopolitical zone. The decision is reportedly being evaluated in response to persistent concerns about alleged imbalance and marginalization in the region.
One source explained: "Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general. Mr President is fully aware of the arguments for and against the creation of the state, but he considers Anioma the most viable among the various requests for state creation. He is also keen on achieving geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice, particularly to assuage the feelings of marginalization expressed by Ndigbo, whose region currently has the fewest states."
Political Analyst Perspectives on State Creation
Political commentator Omotayo Yusuf, speaking on the clamor for new states, offered a nuanced perspective on the potential impact of creating Anioma State. While noting that new state creation typically has limited direct impact on citizens' daily lives beyond political considerations, he emphasized the particular significance of the Anioma proposal.
Yusuf stated: "There is no indication of how it would really better the lives of people in that region. The Anioma state that is being clamoured for or championed might be an opportunity for South East Nigeria, which will give them additional land masses, rather than splitting the current five southeast states to create another one."
Constitutional Framework for State Creation
The discussion about Anioma State occurs within the broader context of Nigeria's ongoing constitutional review process, which began in January 2025. State creation has emerged as a prominent issue during these deliberations, with significant agitation coming from both the Southwest and Southeast regions.
However, establishing a new state in Nigeria remains a rigorous constitutional exercise that requires extensive legislative backing at multiple levels. The process must secure approval from the National Assembly down to the local government level, followed by a successful referendum before any new state can officially come into existence.
