OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
A Public Affairs Analyst in Ebonyi State, Chief Ike Cletus Ngah has said that Anioma State has comparative advantage in economic viability, landmass, population, equity consideration, regional integration, development indices and political restructuring of Nigeria compared to the proposed Etiti and Adada State in the South East.
Chief Ngah in an interview with Journalists in Abakaliki commended the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Constitutional Amendment for unanimously endorsing the creation of one more state for the South East region.
He maintained that the endorsement will address years of imbalance, marginalization and making the region be at par with other geopolitical zones.
He said that the proposed Anioma State which is carved out of the present Delta North Senatorial District in today’s Delta State fits into the above indices of equity, development, and the political restructuring of Nigeria.
“The creation of Anioma State as the 6th state for the South East will not only address this imbalance by connecting the Igbo-speaking communities of Delta North Senatorial district to their kith and kins in the South East geopolitical zone.
“It will also correct the long-standing structural imbalance and ensure fair representation at the federal level- Senate, House of Representatives and resource allocations.
“The addition of Anioma State as the 6th state in the South East will increase the zone’s population by over 2million people, landmass by over 6400 square metres and equally boost the economy of the region.
“From available records, Anioma currently contributes over 40% resources to Delta state which is bigger than the federal allocations of Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi joined together.
“Besides, 6 out of the 9 local government areas in Anioma state has large quantities of Oil and Gas deposits which will definitely enhance the resource allocations in South East and influence its national politics.
“There’s also vast fertile land, many economic corridors, educational institutions and industrial hubs that will accelerate the South East’s collective development as a region.
He further noted that the people of Anioma share strong Igbo linguistic, cultural and historical ties with the other core south east states- Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo states. Thus, creating Anioma state would be fixing the missing rib of the Igbo people across the Niger.
“It will no doubt reunite the hitherto divided Igbo groups that were separated through political expedience by colonial and post colonial boundaries thereby promoting cultural identity and identity preservation.
Chief Ngah stated that with six States, the South East will have equal representation in the country with 18 senators instead of 15 and more seats in the Federal House of Representatives.
“This Development will reduce the clamour for marginalization and further strengthen the zone’s bargaining power in national politics including zoning arrangements for key offices such as the presidency.
“The creation of Anioma state is not just a political expediency or redrawing of boundaries but about the restoration of equity in Nigeria’s political structure, forging unity among Igbo people, strengthening the political and economic powers of the South East region and promoting regional integration and stability.
He urged Igbos political leaders, traditional rulers, christian community and others both at home and in the diaspora to drum support for the creation of Anioma state. Ends.
