Benjamin Kalu backs Anioma state creation proposal, urging South-East and South-South stakeholders to reach consensus for progress
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria, renewed calls for the creation of an additional South-East state while urging stakeholders to embrace wider regional cooperation through the Anioma state creation proposal as discussions on constitutional restructuring continue.
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Benjamin Kalu made the remarks while receiving stakeholders of the Anioma State Movement on a courtesy visit, where he emphasised that the push for new state creation must be built on collaboration across the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
The Deputy Speaker said the process cannot succeed in isolation, stressing that governors and key political actors must be involved to ensure legitimacy and long-term stability of any proposed arrangement.
“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,” Benjamin Kalu said.
He added that compromise remains essential for progress, noting that unity between interested regions would strengthen the Anioma state creation proposal and improve its chances of success at the constitutional level.
“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,” he stated.
Benjamin Kalu further warned that isolated advocacy efforts without consensus would not yield results, insisting that stakeholders must agree on shared interests before advancing proposals.
“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,” he added.
He noted that decisions on the proposed state capital would ultimately emerge through negotiation and democratic agreement among stakeholders.
The Deputy Speaker, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing state creation discussions for the South-East, while commending Senator Ned Nwoko for his advocacy on the Anioma cause.
He outlined key considerations for state creation, including geography, history, culture, economic viability and political alignment, describing them as essential indicators for evaluating any proposal.
Earlier, Senator Ned Nwoko, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at appreciating Benjamin Kalu’s efforts in strengthening the South-East’s political representation and national relevance.
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Traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uno, His Royal Highness Henry Kikachukwu, also stated that the Anioma agitation reflects a long-standing aspiration for identity and recognition, insisting that the community identifies fully as Ndi Igbo.
