The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has announced the launch of comprehensive consultative meetings with key stakeholders across Nigeria, intensifying its campaign for the creation of Anioma State....TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT | TAP TO READ THE FULL CONTENT
The initiative, according to the group, is deeply rooted in historical significance, economic promise, and the vision of unifying the Igbo Nation.
In a statement signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the organization affirmed its commitment to Anioma State as a step toward addressing historical inequities and strengthening Igbo representation within Nigeria’s geopolitical framework.
“The proposal for Anioma State honours the sacrifices of the Anioma people, particularly their patriotism during the Nigeria-Biafra War, and aims to bridge divides within the Igbo community,” the group sytated.
Ohanaeze expressed its disappointment over the political elite’s attempts to derail this movement but reaffirmed that the interests of the Igbo Nation far outweigh individual ambitions.
The move to establish Anioma State comes after a review of past recommendations by a seven-member ad-hoc committee on State Creation, chaired by Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa.
The committee’s meticulous research highlighted past setbacks, including the failure to pursue Aba State during President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.
According to Ohanaeze, political miscalculations and internal divisions, notably under former President General Nnia Nwodo, hindered progress on Aba State.
Ohanaeze said it has initiated consultations with influential leaders, including allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Southwest, to build a coalition for the creation of Anioma State and an additional state for each geopolitical zone.
“These discussions began on November 7, 2024, and will continue through a series of engagements with the Presidency, the National Assembly, and regional leaders, with consultations slated to conclude by December 31, 2024,” the group noted.
Ohanaeze issued a stern warning to political elites seeking to undermine the initiative, describing the creation of Anioma State as “necessary and irreversible.”
The group urged all stakeholders to prioritize the collective aspirations of the Igbo people and avoid divisive actions.
