South-East Leaders Rally Behind ANIM State, Lobby National Assembly for Approval

By Christiana Ekpa

Leaders and key stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East have intensified efforts for the creation of ANIM State, throwing their collective support behind the proposal and urging national backing for its realisation.

The renewed push gained momentum during a meeting in Abuja between a delegation from Imo and Anambra states and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

The delegation said it visited the Deputy Speaker to appreciate his role in facilitating consensus among South-East stakeholders on the proposed state as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, said the delegation comprised representatives from communities in both Imo and Anambra states advocating the creation of ANIM State.

According to him, the agitation enjoys strong backing from political leaders, traditional rulers, lawmakers, local government officials and community stakeholders across the region.

“We have come here in a representative capacity from Imo State and Anambra State that are looking for this state called ANIM State,” he said.

Izunaso explained that members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State movement and representatives of traditional institutions formed part of the delegation.

He revealed that the campaign for the proposed state had already gained legislative traction, noting that federal lawmakers representing constituencies within the affected areas had passed resolutions endorsing the initiative.

The senator also disclosed that groundwork for the anticipated state had begun, with infrastructure development already taking shape in the proposed capital area.

“The Imo State Government has already built a Government House in Orlu in preparation for the pronouncement of ANIM State,” he said.

“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.”

Izunaso further stated that the delegation came to commend Kalu for his leadership in helping the South-East arrive at a unified proposal after the National Assembly asked the region to present a single request for an additional state.

“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 reached a consensus,” he said.

“He is not from Imo or Anambra, yet God used him to play this role at this critical time. That is why we came to appreciate him.”

Responding, Kalu said the creation of new states should be seen as a strategic instrument for development and inclusive governance rather than merely a political aspiration.

“State creation is not just about acquiring a new status. It is an instrument of development that ensures the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots,” he said.

He noted that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with five states, while other zones have six, a disparity he said affects political balance and equitable representation in the federation.

“When you look at the comparative analysis of the geopolitical zones, only one region the South-East is lagging behind. It ought not to be so,” Kalu stated.

However, the Deputy Speaker stressed that achieving the goal would require strategic engagement, diplomacy and national consensus rather than confrontational agitation.

“To achieve this is not through violence or shouting about marginalisation. It is through negotiation, building friendships and shaking hands across the Niger,” he added.

Kalu urged promoters of the ANIM State proposal to broaden consultations beyond the South-East, noting that lawmakers from other geopolitical zones would ultimately determine the fate of the proposal when it comes up for voting in the National Assembly.

“My vote alone cannot secure the state. In fact, I will not vote because I will be presiding. You must build friendships across the North, South-West and South-South because they will be in the chamber when the vote is called,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to secure the support of South-East governors, describing their endorsement as crucial to the success of the proposal.

“You cannot do this alone without involving the governors of the South-East. All the governors, especially those from the affected areas, must be part of the agreement,” he said.

Kalu further advised stakeholders to remain flexible during negotiations, noting that adjustments to the proposed territorial configuration might become necessary during the legislative process.

“If the powers that be recommend expanding the territorial parameters to accommodate broader interests, it should be accepted. What matters is achieving development and progress,” he said.