Senate Considers Creation of Anim State in the South-East – Senator Osita Izunaso
A Senator from Imo West, Senator Osita Izunazo, has notified Nigerians that the Senate is currently considering a bill to create a new state in the South-East geopolitical zone. The proposed state is to be named Anim, and according to the senator, it would be carved out of parts of Anambra and Imo States.
Speaking briefly during interviews with various news outlets in Abuja on Friday, June 13, Izunazo explained that the bill has already passed its second reading and is currently before the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review. He stated that the committee is now actively reviewing the bill and considering implementation.
According to Senator Izunazo, this is not just a political move, but a step towards fairness and balance in Nigeria’s federal structure. In his words:
“It’s not a favour, it’s a matter of equity. Every other region in the country has six states, except the South-East, which has only five.”
He further highlighted the imbalance in Nigeria’s federal structure. While the North-West has seven states, the North-East, North-Central, South-West, and South-South zones each have six states. The South-East, however, is left with only five states, which has caused structural disadvantages and contributed to long-standing regional grievances.
Izunazo emphasized that the process of creating Anim State would go through the proper democratic channels, including a referendum in the affected areas.
“You can’t create a state by fiat. People must agree through a referendum. That’s how democracy works,” he said.
He concluded by stating that creating Anim State would bring the South-East in line with other regions, correcting the historical imbalance in Nigeria’s state structure.
