As the prominent apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is pleased to announce the initiation of deliberate and constructive consultative meetings with pivotal stakeholders and leaders across Nigeria, following our initial engagements over the past weekend. Our unequivocal aim is to advocate for the creation of Anioma State, an initiative steeped in historical significance, economic potential, and the overarching goal of unity within the Igbo community.
The choice to pursue the creation of Anioma State has been made after profound and selfless contemplation, reflecting on the sacrifices and patriotism exhibited by the Anioma people during the Nigeria-Biafra War. The necessity of unifying the Igbo Nation cannot be overstated; indeed, it transcends the self-serving agendas often perpetuated by political elites, who have been notably unsettled by the widespread endorsement of the Anioma State Movement by various Igbo constituents and stakeholders.
Our commitment to the creation of Anioma State is firmly rooted in the Igbo belief that the collective interests of our people far outweigh any individual aspirations. This united front is essential for our continued progress and representation in the geopolitical sphere of Nigeria.
To bring clarity to our campaign, we must highlight that on September 28, 2023, Ohanaeze Ndigbo constituted a dedicated seven-member ad-hoc committee on State Creation, led by the distinguished Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa. This committee has meticulously reviewed the previous recommendations regarding state creation, particularly the proposal for Aba State, which was articulated in 2017. The findings of this review underscored the reasons behind the earlier unimplemented recommendations, linked primarily to the oversight in presenting the Aba State proposal to former President Muhammadu Buhari—a leader who was amenable to granting the Southeast an additional state to equalize our representation with that of the South-South, Southwest, North Central, and Northeast zones within Nigeria’s federal framework.
It is with great regret that we acknowledge how erstwhile political maneuverings within our ranks have impeded our progress. The miscalculations by former President General Nnia Nwodo, which favored the clandestine interests of a select cabal, resulted in the significant setback of losing the opportunity for Aba State. However, with the current momentum behind the creation of Anioma State, we remain hopeful that this path will ultimately lead us back to a conversation about Aba State in the future.
For the record, Professor Achokawa’s committee has engaged in a year-long process of study, dialogue, and consultation. On November 25, 2024, they presented a well-researched report recommending the establishment of two additional states for the Southeast—Anioma State being the foremost priority, followed closely by Aba State. We now look to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lend his support and endorsement to this significant endeavor.
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, confirmed that our organization has commenced consultations with influential leaders and supporters of President Tinubu from the Southwest, aimed at building a coalition to advocate for the creation of two additional states for the Southeast, alongside proposals for one new state for each of the other geopolitical zones. This lobbying effort began on November 7, 2024, and will extend through a series of engagements with the Presidency, the 10th National Assembly, and key traditional and political leaders across various regions, concluding our nationwide consultations by December 31, 2024.
We wish to impart a firm warning to any political elites who may seek to hinder our resolve or sow discord within our ranks. The move to adopt Anioma State is both necessary and irreversible, and we urge those in opposition—who are in the minority—not to stand in the way of progress for the greater good of the Igbo Nation. This initiative is predicated on merit and the collective aspirations of our constituents, free from the taint of personal considerations.
As we embark on this path towards greater representation and unity, we encourage all Igbo stakeholders to lend their voices and support. Let us stand together, as one, in the pursuit of our shared destiny.
SIGNED:
MAZI OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO
SECRETARY GENERAL
OHANAEZE NDIGBO
PROF. CHIBUIKEYA ACHOKAWA
CHAIRMAN
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION
CHIEF ALEXANDER OKEMIRI
SECRETARY
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION
