There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to approve the creation of just one new state following the completion of legislative processes by the National and State Assemblies.
Sources suggest that Anioma State, a proposed state intended to address long-standing feelings of marginalization among South-Easterners, is the frontrunner for this approval.
Vanguard gathered in Abuja that consultations have reached an advanced stage among key stakeholders, including those opposed to listing the new state within the South-East geopolitical zone.
Senator Ned Nwoko has renewed calls for sustained and unified support from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East.
Opposition persists from certain groups within Delta State who argue that Anioma State should instead fall under the South-South geopolitical zone, thereby increasing the number of states in that region to seven.
Currently, the South-East has five states, making it the geopolitical zone with the fewest states in the federation.
According to sources close to the Presidency, Anioma State remains the only state being seriously considered for creation, and it would become the sixth state in the South-East.
“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East region and Ndigbo in general,” one source revealed. “President Tinubu is aware of the arguments for and against the state’s creation, but he views Anioma as the most viable option.”
The source added that the decision aligns with the President’s desire to achieve geopolitical balance, equity, fair representation, and justice—particularly to assuage feelings of marginalization among Ndigbo.
The source also dismissed agitation for a proposed “Anim-Oma State,” an alternative plan that would merge parts of Anioma in Delta State, the Orlu Zone in Imo State, and Ihiala Local Government Area in Anambra State, with Orlu as its capital.
Under the current proposal, Anioma State would be created as the sixth state in the South-East, with Asaba as its capital, barring any last-minute shifts.
A proposed meeting between President Tinubu and stakeholders on the issue is expected to take place soon, following consultations with National Assembly leadership, who reportedly support the creation.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and a leading advocate for Anioma State, expressed optimism about the development.
“This is a historic clamour that has never enjoyed this level of national attention and support,” Nwoko said. “It is a golden opportunity for the Igbo people to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger. The Ohanaeze constitution recognises Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh. It is therefore no coincidence that over 90 senators have declared their total support for the creation of Anioma State.”
