Opens correspondence with Mr President on the creation of Anioma State
In a passionate call for justice and inclusivity, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide urges President Tinubu to address the historical marginalization of the Southeast by endorsing the creation of Anioma State; a step toward balanced governance, equity, and national unity.
Bellow is a copy of the letter signed by prominent members of the Committee on States Creation:
OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON OHANAEZE NDIGBO SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION OF ANIOMA STATE.
To:
His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria.
Your Excellency, Sir,
CREATION OF ANIOMA STATE
OHANAEZE NDIGBO, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, representing all Igbo-speaking peoples in the 13 States of their major and minor indigeneity in Nigeria, as well as the millions of Igbo in the diaspora, writes you with utmost respect, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of our great country, Nigeria, now under your care. We join other compatriots in continuing prayers for the health and happiness of the First Family, and guidance in your patriotic duties.
This letter is to address one important aspect of the historical grievances, long-standing systemic marginalizations, inequitable deprivations, and the continuous injustices directed against the Igbo as a whole, and the Southeast geopolitical zone, one of the dominant elements of the Igbo ethnic nationality, in particular, concerning the number of States and Local Government Areas, which has all along been the basis of the distribution of the national wealth to the deliberate and obvious disadvantage of Ndigbo and Southeast Geopolitical zone.
Pending the comprehensive Restructuring of our federal union in tandem with sole or multi-ethnic civilizations as constitutive units, as operates in other multi-ethnic societies worldwide, we advocate for the creation of an ANIOMA STATE, as a sixth State specifically dedicated to the Southeast, to equalize with most other geopolitical zones. The current administrative arrangement in Nigeria, a deliberate disproportionate distribution of administrative units, with the Southeast having merely five States and 95 Local Government Areas, in stark contrast to others, is heavily weighing against the progress of the area. A deficit that not only underscores the historical political marginalization of the Southeast but also hampering equitable representation of her people, and the resource allocations crucial for the development of the region.
Over the years, the Southeast has consistently been at the worst end of the general neglect in the country that your administration has promised to correct, with her peoples receiving the least share in national resources and opportunities.
The ANIOMA STATE is not only an advocacy for political rectification, but, also constitutes a unified support for your esteemed administration to officially redress the longstanding marginalization of the Anioma people themselves, the Southeast geopolitical zone, and a substantial component of Igbo citizens.
Since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in 1999, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been employing every legitimate channel to engage the previous administrations over the pressing need for an “equaliser” or sixth State for the Southeast. Despite these efforts, a well-articulated demand for an Aba State under former President Muhammadu Buhari regrettably faced obstacles from within that thwarted the endeavors. Today, with your administration, Mr. President, we perceive a rare beacon of hope for the realization of the long-cherished aspirations of the Southeast.
We firmly believe that the creation of an ANIOMA STATE, drawn from the present-day Delta State, will not only address some of the historical grievances and governance imbalances, but also enhance social cohesion and economic development within both Anioma and the remnant Delta State that would now be favoured with two poles of development and two capital cities.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo are aware of the demands for Aba, Adada, Etiti, Njaba, Orashi, and Orlu States, each of which has their merits, but, after extensive evaluations, we unequivocally recommend ANIOMA STATE as the most important among them, both economically and culturally. The other States can be added in case other zones benefit from new States that disrupt the balance that Anioma provides.
The ANIOMA people, with shared kinship and cultural lineage with the Southeast, the initiative is not merely practical but a significant unification of identity and heritage within the geopolitical zone.
Mr. President, we place our implicit trust in your capable leadership, and have confidence that your track record as a progressive and foresighted leader would help advance our cause for the creation of the ANIOMA STATE. A Presidential approval and endorsement shall serve as a historic affirmation of your commitment to inclusivity and equity for the long marginalized Southeast region of our dear country, and position your administration as a harbinger of hope for the entire Igbo nation.
We extend our deepest gratitude for your attention to this critical matter and eagerly anticipate your favorable response.
Signed:
Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro.
Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Prince.Dr.Richard Ozobu
Chairman,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council.
Professor Obasi Igwe
Secretary,
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Elders Council.
Professor Chubikeya Achokawa. Chairman, Ohanaeze Committee on States Creation.
His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Director-General, United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide, and Member, Ohanaeze Committee on States Creation.
High Chief Alexander Chikalue Okemiri
Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo on State Creation.
