President Tinubu Considers Anioma State as the Only New State in Nigeria’s South-East

There are strong indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may approve the establishment of just one new state after the completion of legislative processes by the National and State Assemblies.

Sources suggest that Anioma State, championed by its supporters as a remedy for marginalization among South-Easterners, is the most likely candidate.

According to reports gathered in Abuja, consultations among various stakeholders are nearing conclusion, with some opposition within the South-East region to including Anioma among the states in that zone.

Meanwhile, Senator Ned Nwoko has renewed calls for unified support from Ndigbo for the creation of Anioma State, which would serve as the sixth state in the South-East.

Opposition groups from Delta State have argued that the proposed Anioma State should instead be carved out within the South-South geopolitical zone, which would increase the number of states there to seven.

Currently, the South-East remains the zone with the fewest states, having only five.

Sources close to the presidency revealed that Anioma State is the only proposal seriously under consideration for creation, with plans to establish it as the sixth state in the South-East.

This move aims to address longstanding concerns over regional imbalance and marginalization.

“Anioma State would be created to compensate the South-East and Ndigbo in particular. President Tinubu recognizes the arguments for and against, but considers Anioma the most viable option. His decision is motivated by a desire to promote geopolitical balance, fairness, and justice—especially to alleviate feelings of marginalization among Ndigbo, who currently have the fewest states”, one source said. “

The source also dismissed ongoing calls for the creation of a proposed ‘Anim-Oma State,’ which would combine parts of Anioma in Delta, the old Orlu Zone in Imo, and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, with Orlu as the capital.

Under the current plan, if approved, Anioma State would be established with Asaba as its capital, as part of the South-East zone, pending any last-minute changes.

While no date has been set for a meeting between President Tinubu and stakeholders on this matter, sources indicate that consultations with the leadership of the National Assembly—who are reportedly supportive—are ongoing.

Reacting to the developments, Senator Ned Nwoko expressed optimism, stating, “This is a historic movement that has gained unprecedented national support. It’s a unique opportunity for the Igbo to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger. Over 90 senators have declared their full support for the creation of Anioma State, and the Ohanaeze constitution recognizes Anioma as the sixth Igbo state and Ikwerre as the seventh.”