Arodiogbu to National Assembly: Approve Anim State Now to Correct Nigeria’s 50-Year Imbalance

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Vice-Chairman for the South-East, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu, has called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill seeking the creation of Anim State, saying the move is crucial to resolving a five-decade imbalance that has left the South-East with only five states.

Arodiogbu, in a statement he personally signed, described the bill—now at its second reading in the Senate—as an opportunity to address what he termed a “glaring structural injustice” within the federation. He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and bill sponsor Senator Osita Izunaso for showing “uncommon courage” in tackling the long-standing disparity.

“This imbalance is not just a statistical curiosity; it translates into fewer senators, fewer members of the House of Representatives, fewer federal constituencies and fewer appointments into federal boards and parastatals,” he said.

He argued that the communities proposed for Anim State share longstanding cultural, linguistic and historical ties, adding that statehood would merely formalize a unity that existed long before colonial borders were drawn.

“Long before the British drew arbitrary lines in 1914, these towns and villages regarded themselves as one indivisible family,” he noted.

According to Arodiogbu, creating Anim State would help ease long-standing grievances in the South-East while proving that Nigeria’s political structure is capable of correcting historic injustices. He highlighted the region’s economic prospects—from the Oguta oil belt to the agricultural Njaba–Oru corridor—as further justification for the initiative.

“Palm plantations abandoned after the civil war can be revived with modern mills, creating thousands of rural jobs,” he added.

He also said the restructuring would make Anambra and Imo states more manageable, while granting the South-East three additional senators, more House seats and stronger national representation.

“Every index of representation will improve dramatically, and the South-East will finally speak with the weight it deserves,” he said.

Arodiogbu expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would assent to the bill, citing what he described as the President’s track record of balanced appointments and inclusive governance.

He urged lawmakers to avoid delays and ensure swift passage of the bill.

“Do not allow vested interests or last-minute manoeuvres to derail this train,” he cautioned.

Arodiogbu noted that communities within the proposed state have been waiting since 1967 for recognition, stressing that the 10th National Assembly has a historic opportunity before it.

“Pass the bill for Anim State and let justice and fairness reign supreme,” he said.

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