KALU PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR CREATION OF ADDITIONAL SOUTH-EAST STATE
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By ; Ganiyat Sunmola
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 adopting the Anioma proposal as a viable option.
Anioma refers to a proposed state for the Igbo-speaking areas of Delta State, drawing historical and cultural ties with parts of Anambra and Imo states.
Kalu made this position known while hosting stakeholders of the Anioma State Movement during a courtesy visit to his office.
He stressed that the creation of a new state cannot be achieved in isolation, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration with governors and key stakeholders across both the South-East and South-South regions.
“You cannot achieve this without the involvement of governors from both the South-East and South-South. While it is our responsibility to pass legislation, the input of key stakeholders is essential. If given a choice between Anioma State and Anim State, I would favour a merger—Animoma—so that both sides can unite as one,” he said.
He called on advocates of state creation to embrace compromise in the interest of collective progress, noting that unity would strengthen the push for a new state.
“Anyone pursuing this in isolation must be willing to make concessions so that all parties can come together and work as one. Any approach outside this is unproductive. There must be mutual agreement, with both the South-East and South-South on board, for progress to be made,” he added.
On the issue of the proposed state capital, Kalu said its location would be determined through negotiation and broad democratic consensus. He added that while the proposal is achievable, its success hinges on the willingness of stakeholders to engage constructively and in a timely manner.
He emphasised the need for a humanitarian approach to the discussions, noting that the process requires patience, understanding, and empathy.
The Deputy Speaker assured that, in his capacity as Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he would continue to prioritise the creation of an additional state in the South-East, while commending Senator Ned Nwoko for his sustained advocacy for the Anioma cause.
Kalu also outlined key factors to guide the state creation process, including geographical considerations, historical and cultural identity, economic viability, political dynamics, and regional alignment.
“We must consider who our neighbours are, who is willing to join us, and the reasons behind such alignment. These are critical factors that must be carefully assessed as we move forward,” he said.
Earlier, the delegation, led by the proponent of the Anioma State Movement, Senator Ned Nwoko, said their visit was to commend Kalu for his efforts in strengthening the South-East’s position within the nation’s political landscape.
In his remarks, the King of Ubulu-Uno in Delta State, His Royal Highness Henry Kikachukwu, said the agitation for Anioma State goes beyond personal interest, describing it as a long-standing demand to affirm their identity as Ndi Igbo.
“We are here to emphasise that the quest for Anioma State has spanned several decades. We are Igbos and seek full recognition as Ndi Igbo. We believe the creation of Anioma as the sixth state in the South-East is necessary,” he said.
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