South East in vantage position as presidency considers creating only one state

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considering the approval of only one additional state, with Anioma State emerging as the most likely option after the conclusion of the required legislative processes by the National and State Assemblies.

Sources familiar with the consultations said the proposal is being advanced as a way to address long-standing concerns over geopolitical imbalance and perceived marginalisation of the South-East, which currently has the least number of states in the federation.

Discussions among key political stakeholders have reportedly reached an advanced stage, including engagements with groups opposed to listing the proposed state under the South-East geopolitical zone.

The development comes amid renewed advocacy by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, calling for unified support from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East.

Despite the push, opposition has continued from some groups within Delta State, who argue that Anioma should remain within the South-South geopolitical zone, a move that would increase the number of states in that region to seven.

Presidential sources said Anioma State is the only proposal currently receiving serious consideration and is viewed as the most viable among the numerous requests for state creation across the country.

According to one of the sources, the plan is aimed at promoting equity, fair representation, and justice within the federation, particularly in response to long-standing grievances expressed by the Igbo.

Agitations for the creation of a proposed Anim-Oma State, which would combine parts of Delta, Imo, and Anambra states, were dismissed by the sources as lacking sufficient support.

Under the prevailing proposal, Anioma State would be carved out of Delta North, with Asaba designated as the capital, subject to final approval.

Although no date has been fixed for a meeting between President Tinubu and stakeholders, sources said discussions would continue in consultation with the leadership of the National Assembly, which is reportedly favourably disposed to the proposal.

Reacting to the development, Senator Nwoko expressed confidence that the campaign would succeed.

“This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention and support,” he said, adding that the Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state.