By Fatima Ndagi
Leaders and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East have intensified calls for the creation of ANIM State, describing the proposal as a necessary step toward correcting regional imbalance and accelerating development in the zone.
The renewed push emerged 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.
Members of the delegation said their visit was to appreciate the Deputy Speaker for facilitating consensus among South-East stakeholders on the proposal as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, said the delegation represented communities from both Imo and Anambra states advocating the establishment of ANIM State.
According to him, the agitation for the proposed state enjoys widespread support from political leaders, traditional rulers, 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,” Izunaso said.
He explained that the delegation included members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State movement and representatives of traditional institutions in the South-East.
Izunaso noted that the campaign had already gained legislative traction, revealing that federal lawmakers representing constituencies in the affected areas had passed resolutions endorsing the proposal.
He also disclosed that preparations for the anticipated state had begun, with infrastructure projects underway 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 commended Kalu for his role in bringing South-East stakeholders together after the National Assembly asked the region to present a single proposal 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 arrived at 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 viewed as a tool for development and inclusive governance rather than merely a political aspiration.
“State creation is not just about having 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 undermines 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.
The Deputy Speaker, however, stressed that the success of the proposal would depend on strategic engagement 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 said.
Kalu urged promoters of the ANIM State proposal to expand consultations beyond the South-East, noting that lawmakers from other geopolitical zones would ultimately decide 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 added.
He also emphasised the importance of securing the backing of all South-East governors, describing their support as critical 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,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker further advised stakeholders to remain flexible during negotiations, noting that adjustments to the proposed territorial configuration could 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.
