Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has thrown his weight behind the push to create a new state in Nigeria’s South-East, urging proponents to consider a collaborative approach that includes Anioma—a proposed state covering Igbo-speaking areas of Delta State.
Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Anioma State Movement on Wednesday, Kalu stressed that successful state creation requires the involvement of governors and key stakeholders across both the South-East and South-South regions. He suggested a fusion approach, proposing “Animoma” as a compromise to unite both movements for broader support.
“The process cannot succeed in isolation. Stakeholders must agree across regions. Unity will strengthen our case,” Kalu said, emphasizing compromise and collaboration as central to progress. He added that decisions like the choice of a state capital should emerge through negotiation and democratic consensus.
“Whoever is proposing in isolation must be ready to give up some and accept some, so that brothers can unite and work together. Anything outside this approach is a waste of time. There must be agreement—South-East accepting, South-South accepting—to move forward,” he said.
As chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Kalu assured that he would continue to prioritise the creation of an additional South-East state while commending advocates like Sen. Ned Nwoko for their relentless efforts. He outlined criteria for state creation, including geography, culture, economics, politics, and regional alignment, noting that thorough evaluation is key to success.
9News Nigeria reports that stakeholders, including traditional rulers like the King of Ubulu-uno in Delta, highlighted the proposal as a long-overdue recognition for Ndi Igbo, underscoring that the demand is rooted in identity and equitable representation rather than personal interest.
This renewed push reflects ongoing efforts to balance Nigeria’s geopolitical structure and ensure the South-East’s inclusion in the national development discourse.
