By Christiana Ekpa
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Wednesday reaffirmed his support for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, urging proponents to consider a unified approach through the proposed “Animoma” arrangement.
Kalu made this known while receiving members of the Anioma State Movement, led by Ned Nwoko, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
The Deputy Speaker explained that “Animoma” a proposed fusion of Anambra, Imo, and the envisioned Anioma State in Delta’s Igbo-speaking areas could offer a more viable pathway to achieving long-standing demands for an extra state in the region.
According to him, the process of state creation requires broad-based collaboration, particularly among governors and key stakeholders across both the South-East and South-South regions.
“You can’t do this without the governors of the South-East and South-South. While it is our duty to pass bills, critical stakeholders must be involved. Between having Anioma State and Anim State, I would prefer a fusion Animoma so that the two brothers can come together as one,” Kalu said.
He emphasised the need for compromise among agitators, warning that isolated efforts could stall progress.
“Proponents must be willing to give and take. Unity is essential. Without agreement between the South-East and South-South, the process will not move forward,” he added.
On the issue of a potential state capital, Kalu noted that such decisions would emerge through negotiation and democratic consensus among stakeholders.
The Deputy Speaker, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, assured that the push for an additional South-East state remains a priority, stressing that success would depend on constructive engagement and timely action.
He further outlined key criteria for state creation, including geographical considerations, shared history and culture, economic viability, political dynamics, and regional alignment.
“We must ask critical questions: Who are our neighbours? Who is joining us, and why? These are the indicators that must guide our decisions,” he stated.
Earlier, Nwoko commended Kalu’s efforts in advancing the political relevance of the South-East, noting that the Anioma cause has gained renewed attention under his leadership.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uno in Delta State, Henry Kikachukwu, described the agitation for Anioma State as a long-standing demand rooted in identity and belonging.
“The quest for Anioma has spanned decades. We are Igbos and want to fully identify as Ndi Igbo. The creation of Anioma will complete the South-East structure as the sixth state,” he said.
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