A BILL seeking the creation of a new state in the South-East geopolitical zone of the country has passed its second reading in the Senate and is now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review.
Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, disclosed this development on Friday during a media parley in Abuja, where he marked his two-year milestone in the National Assembly.
He revealed that the proposed state, tentatively named ANIM State will be carved out from parts of Anambra and Imo States.
“It’s not a favour, it’s a matter of equity,” Izunaso declared. “Every other region in the country has six states, except the South-East, which has only five.
“We’re not asking for too much,just for the balance Nigeria’s federal character demands,” the lawmaker said.
Currently, Nigeria’s geopolitical configuration gives the North-West seven states, while the North-East, North-Central, South-West, and South-South zones each have six. The South-East remains the only region with five.
Addressing newsmen, Izunaso stated that he was excited about the development.
The senator also said it would be unfair for anybody to protest against the proposed new state, warning that the South-East cannot continue to remain a minority in the regional standing of the country.
According to him, the creation of the proposed ANIM State will go through due constitutional process, including a referendum, and would not be imposed.
“You can’t create a state by fiat,” he said. “People must agree through a referendum. That’s how democracy works. But the South-East must not continue to remain structurally disadvantaged.”
Midway through his address, Isunazo also made a case for the the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently standing trial on terrorism-related charges.
The Imo senator also used the occasion to renew calls for a political resolution to his prolonged detention.
He argued that a political solution could serve as a vital step toward restoring peace in the South-East, a region plagued by rising insecurity and separatist unrest.
“I have consistently advocated that the Federal Government give Nnamdi Kanu’s case political consideration,” he said. “If granted bail, it could significantly reduce insecurity in the region. Criminal elements have hijacked the struggle. Once Kanu is released, they’ll lose any legitimacy they claim.”