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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has reiterated his support for the creation of an additional state in the South-East in the ongoing constitution review exercise.
Kalu, while receiving members of the Anioma State Movement, during a visit, said there was a need for inclusivity, dialogue and regional consensus in the request for the creation of new states.
He noted that the creation of a new state could be achieved in isolation and proposed the fusion of the proposed Anim and Anioma to form Animoma as the sixth state in the South East geo-political zone.
He stressed that it was imperative for a collaboration between governors and key stakeholders across both the South-East and South-South regions.
“You can’t do this without the Governors of the South-East and South-South. It is our duty to pass bills, but critical stakeholders must be involved. If you ask me between having Anioma State and Anim State, I would prefer a fusion, Animoma, so that the two brothers can come together as one. Whoever is proposing in isolation must be ready to give up some and accept some, so that brothers can unite and work together. Anything outside this approach is a waste of time. There must be agreement; South-East accepting and South-South accepting to move forward,” he said.
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Kalu, co-chairman, National Assembly Constitution Review Committee, commended Senator Ned Nwoko for his unrelenting advocacy for creation of Anioma State, stating that he would continue to prioritise the creation of an additional state for the South-East.
He admonished the promoters for the creation of different states to compromise for the greater good, noting that unity would strengthen the case for state creation.
According to him, key criteria that would guide state creation includes geographical considerations, historical and cultural identity, economic viability and political dynamics, as well as regional alignment.
He said: “We must ask; who are our neighbours? Who is joining us? Why should they join us? These are the core indicators we must evaluate as we move forward.”
The delegation led by Nwoko said the visit was to show appreciation to the deputy speaker for his support in the quest for the creation of new states.
