Anioma State project urgent for Igbo unity, Jackson Omenazu insists

2026-03-19 - 17:04

By Henry Umoru ABUJA – Dr. Omenazu Jackson, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) and chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reiterated strong support for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as an urgent step to correct a structural imbalance imposed on the Igbo nation. In a statement issued Thursday, Jackson emphasized that the Anioma project is critical for strengthening the Igbo position in Nigeria, enhancing the people’s demographic, economic, and political relevance. He called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo, traditional rulers, political leaders, and all well-meaning Ndigbo to resist any attempt to derail the initiative. Jackson also criticized Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for what he described as a deliberate effort to undermine the Anioma State project, calling such actions “provocative” and an affront to the soul of the Igbo nation. “This is not the time for silence. The Anioma question is not negotiable. It is rooted in justice, identity, equity, and the urgent need to correct a structural imbalance deliberately imposed on the Igbo nation,” Jackson said. According to Jackson, the Anioma State project will reunite a major segment of the Igbo people separated since the Nigerian Civil War, expand the geographical footprint of Igbo land by 7,000 square miles, increase population relevance to over four million, and unlock resources for economic growth and access to the sea through the River Niger. He further accused some political actors of promoting an alternative “Anim State” as a diversion aimed at personal political gain, asserting that “no individual ambition should be pursued at the expense of the collective destiny of Ndigbo.” Jackson praised the support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the governors of Ebonyi, Abia, and Anambra States, describing their stance as leadership that prioritizes Igbo unity and long-term strategic interests. “Anioma State is justice. Anioma State is identity. Anioma State is destiny. And no individual ambition will be allowed to override the will of a people,” Jackson said, urging all Igbo leaders and stakeholders to uphold the project.