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The Anioma State Creation Movement has declared that all Igbo-speaking states remain one united family, bound by common heritage, language and destiny, despite state boundaries created by successive governments.
The group said this unity was forged through shared history and experiences, especially during the civil war when all Igbo, irrespective of state of origin, suffered the same fate of hunger, death and humiliation, and were given only £20 each to restart life.
In a statement by its Media Director, Chief Tonnie Osita Oganah, the movement said: “We all speak the Igbo language, though dialects differ. We eat the same food, wear the same traditional attire, share the same four market days, observe the same wedding and burial rites and hold the same naming ceremonies.
“We share one worldview, built on hard work, self-help, republicanism and enterprise. Our names are similar, our dialects mutually intelligible and our determination the same. Anioma is Igbo and most of our towns and villages bear Igbo names. We all share a common destiny.”
The statement followed the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review’s unanimous endorsement of a new state for the South East, a development the movement described as a bold and historic move toward equity and balance in Nigeria’s federal structure.
Oganah said the endorsement represents a major breakthrough in the decades-long agitation to address the imbalance that leaves the South East with only five states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, while other regions have six states and the North West with seven.
“Anioma people support the proposal as the first step to equalising the Igbo nation in Nigeria,” he said. “For true fairness and unity, all six zones should have seven states each like the North West. Anioma State creation should happen this year, along with five others.”
He praised Senator Ned Nwoko for leading the renewed agitation, describing him as the living convener of the Anioma struggle originally championed by the late Dennis Osadebe, Nigeria’s first Premier of the Midwest region.
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“Senator Nwoko is working tirelessly to actualise Anioma State creation this year. Those trying to frustrate his efforts are not fighting a just cause, but the referendum will show that Anioma people truly want their state,” Oganah added.
He dismissed claims that Nigeria cannot afford new states, insisting that the real issue is mismanagement of resources, not lack of funds.
“The latest federal allocation was over N2 trillion. If leaders manage funds properly, Nigeria will thrive. State creation will create jobs, empower youths and open up new development corridors across regions,” he noted.
Reaffirming Anioma’s place in the South East, Oganah said: “Anioma means the good land and deserves its place among its brothers. We wear the red cap, eat Akpu, speak Igbo and uphold our ancestors’ values. We are one with the Igbo nation.”
He maintained that creating Anioma State would not only achieve equity but also strengthen Nigeria’s unity. “A balanced federation will make the country stronger and restore confidence in national integration,” he added.
The agitation for Anioma State dates back to the Second Republic, when leaders from Delta North, including Aniocha, Oshimili, Ndokwa and Ika areas, began pushing for recognition to preserve their cultural identity and ensure fair representation.
Over the years, the call has resurfaced at various constitutional conferences and now, with the National Assembly’s endorsement, the dream of a united and equal Igbo nation appears closer than ever.
