South-East Leaders Back Proposed ANIM State Creation

Political leaders and stakeholders from South-East have expressed support for the proposed creation of ANIM State and called for broader national backing as the country’s constitutional review process continues.

The position was reiterated during a meeting in Abuja between a delegation from Imo and Anambra states and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review.

Members of the delegation said they visited to thank Kalu for helping South-East stakeholders reach a consensus on the proposed state as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Senator Osita Izunaso said the delegation represented communities from both Imo State and Anambra State advocating the creation of ANIM State.

According to him, the proposal has the backing of political leaders, traditional rulers, local government officials and community stakeholders across the affected areas.

Izunaso said the delegation included members of the state assemblies in Imo and Anambra, local government chairmen and leaders of the ANIM State movement.

He said the campaign for the new state had gained legislative momentum, noting that federal lawmakers from the affected constituencies had passed resolutions supporting the proposal.

Izunaso also said preparations had begun in anticipation of the state’s creation, including infrastructure development in the proposed capital in Orlu.

Responding, Kalu said the creation of new states should be viewed as a tool for development and inclusive governance rather than a purely political objective.

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

Kalu urged supporters of the proposal to pursue dialogue and national consensus rather than confrontational agitation.

The deputy speaker also advised promoters of the ANIM State proposal to expand consultations beyond the South-East, noting that lawmakers from other regions would ultimately decide the proposal when it is put to a vote adding that the support of the South-East governors would be crucial to the success of the proposal and encouraged stakeholders to remain open to adjustments that may arise during negotiations.

The proposed state is being considered as part of ongoing constitutional amendment discussions in the National Assembly.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji