There are strong signals that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may give the green light for the creation of only one new state after the National and State Assemblies complete their legislative processes. Sources reveal that Anioma State, a proposed entity aimed at addressing feelings of marginalisation among South-Easterners, is the frontrunner.
Vanguard gathered that consultations are at an advanced stage, especially among stakeholders wary of the new state being classified under the South-East. While Senator Ned Nwoko has rallied for unified Ndigbo support to push Anioma as the sixth state in the South-East, some groups in Delta State argue it should instead belong to the South-South, which would make it the region’s seventh state.
Currently, the South-East has only five states, making it the zone with the fewest in the federation. Presidential sources say the Anioma plan is intended to address longstanding concerns over regional imbalance and perceived marginalisation. “Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East and Ndigbo in general,” one source disclosed. “The President recognises the arguments but considers Anioma the most viable option, promoting fairness, equity, and geopolitical balance.”
Ongoing debates over alternative proposals, like the so-called “Anim-Oma State” combining Anioma, Orlu Zone, and Ihiala LGA, have reportedly been set aside. Under the current plan, Asaba would serve as the capital of the new state. While a formal meeting between the President and stakeholders is yet to be scheduled, it will likely follow discussions with National Assembly leaders, who are said to support the initiative.
Senator Ned Nwoko, a key campaigner for Anioma State, expressed optimism, describing the movement as historic and nationally supported. He stressed that the creation of Anioma would reunite Ndigbo across the Niger, noting that over 90 senators have voiced their backing. With this momentum, it seems the dream of Anioma State as the South-East’s sixth state may soon become a reality.
