Proponents of creating Anim State have intensified their efforts following a recent motion passed by lawmakers at the National Assembly advocating for an additional state in the South East. The proposed Anim State would be carved out from parts of Anambra and Imo States, specifically Nnewi South and Ihiala in Anambra, along with Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Oru West, Oru East, Orsu, Orlu, Njaba, Isu, Ideato North, Ideato South, Nkwere, and Nwangele in Imo.
Critical stakeholders convened in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, vowing to leave no stone unturned to actualize their goal. The deputy chairman of the committee responsible for Anim State creation, Peter Mgbewelu, expressed optimism about the realization of this new state. He emphasized that the proposal aims to balance the number of states in each geopolitical zone in Nigeria, thereby fostering equitable development and representation.
“Having taken a critical look at the nationwide clamour for the creation of more states, we have resolved to continue to pursue the creation of Anim State as the most desirable and economically viable option for balancing the number of states in each geopolitical zone in the country,” Mgbewelu stated.
The meeting was attended by several notable figures, including Ignatius Ifeanyi (chairman), Barr. (Chief) Peter Mgbenwelu (deputy chairman), Chief Osita Nwaneri (secretary), Chief Bath Awugosi (deputy secretary), Eze John Nwosu, and many others. These stakeholders are committed to ensuring that Anim State becomes a reality, viewing it as a crucial step towards equitable representation and regional development.
The call for Anim State is rooted in a desire to address historical imbalances and promote economic viability. The proponents argue that creating a new state will not only enhance political representation but also spur economic growth by bringing government closer to the people and facilitating more localized decision-making.
As part of their strategy, the committee plans to engage with key political figures, community leaders, and grassroots organizations to build broad-based support for their cause. They believe that by presenting a united front and highlighting the potential benefits of Anim State, they can garner the necessary political will to achieve their objective.
The renewed push for Anim State also reflects broader dynamics within Nigeria’s federal structure, where calls for state creation are often driven by the need to address perceived inequities in resource allocation and governance. By advocating for a new state, the stakeholders are tapping into a long-standing discourse about the optimal configuration of Nigeria’s political and administrative units.
