Anioma State creation a historical necessity, not political convenience — Igbo elders

2026-03-29 - 01:14

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu NNEWI — The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has declared that the creation of Anioma State is a historical necessity rather than a political convenience, warning that continued delay would amount to perpetuating injustice. In a statement issued on Thursday, UNIEC described the proposed state as a litmus test of Nigeria’s sincerity on justice, equity and true federalism. The group stressed that the decision represents a defining moment in the nation’s history. The statement, jointly signed by the Director General, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, and the National Director, Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, was titled “Anioma State is a test of justice, a moment for history.” According to the elders, the renewed legislative push for Anioma State — reportedly gaining momentum in the National Assembly — goes beyond routine constitutional amendments and reflects a deeper national question about fairness. “The creation of Anioma State is a litmus test of Nigeria’s sincerity about justice, equity and true federalism. It is not a political convenience; it is a historical necessity,” the statement read. They noted that the Anioma people, who are culturally and historically aligned with the Igbo nation, have long operated within a structure that neither fully reflects their identity nor meets their developmental needs. “Their demand is not rooted in division, but in dignity; not in exclusion, but in inclusion. To ignore the demand any longer is to perpetuate a quiet injustice,” the group stated. UNIEC further argued that growing legislative backing for the proposal signals what it described as a “national awakening,” indicating Nigeria’s capacity to correct structural imbalances. The group called on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively, saying history would judge leaders based on their response to the issue. “History will not remember procedural delays. It will remember courage or the lack of it. If Nigeria seeks stability, it must embrace fairness; if it desires unity, it must institutionalise equity,” the elders said. On the proposed structure, UNIEC described the designation of Asaba as the capital of Anioma State and Warri as the capital of a restructured Delta State as both strategic and symbolic. It explained that Asaba represents the cultural and political identity of the Anioma people, while Warri possesses the economic strength and infrastructure to sustain administrative leadership. “This is not a zero-sum arrangement but a model of balance Nigeria urgently needs, where identity and efficiency coexist,” the statement added. The elders also warned against delays, noting that Nigeria has a history of acknowledging legitimate demands only to stall them through prolonged processes and bureaucratic bottlenecks. “Every delay deepens distrust, and every hesitation reinforces the perception that some regions must continually negotiate for recognition,” the group said. Describing the issue as one that transcends regional interests, UNIEC maintained that the creation of Anioma State is about the future of Nigeria’s federal structure. “To grant it is to send a powerful message that Nigeria, despite its challenges, is still capable of fairness, courage and historic redemption. The time is now,” the statement concluded.