The Nigerian Senate is currently deliberating on a bill proposing the creation of a new state in the South-East geopolitical zone, to be named Anim State. The bill, which has already passed its second reading, is now before the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for further consideration.
Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, made this disclosure during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, June 13. He explained that the proposed Anim State would be carved out of parts of Anambra and Imo States.
According to Senator Izunaso, the push for Anim State is not based on sentiment but on the principle of equity and fairness. He pointed out that the South-East is the only region in Nigeria with five states, while all other geopolitical zones have six states each, with the North-West having seven.
“It’s not a favour; it’s a matter of equity,” the senator asserted. “Every other region in the country has six states, except the South-East, which has only five.”
Senator Izunaso further emphasized that the existing imbalance in the country’s federal structure has left the South-East structurally disadvantaged, a situation that has contributed to long-standing grievances and feelings of political exclusion among people in the region.
He stressed that the creation of Anim State is aimed at correcting this imbalance and promoting a more equitable distribution of resources, political representation, and federal appointments.
The senator was also quick to clarify that the process of creating a new state would follow constitutional and democratic procedures. He noted that any such move would require broad consensus and a referendum among the affected communities.
“You can’t create a state by fiat,” he said. “People must agree through a referendum. That’s how democracy works.”
Senator Izunaso expressed confidence in the legislative process and reiterated the Senate’s commitment to considering the voices of the people as the bill progresses through the necessary stages of review.