South East Erupts In Anger As NASS Proposes Creation Of Six New States

Stakeholders across the South East have strongly reacted to the National Assembly’s (NASS) proposal to create six additional states in Nigeria, warning that the plan does little to address the region’s long-standing structural and political marginalisation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Joint Constitution Review Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, during a two-day retreat in Lagos, had recommended adding one state per geopolitical zone after reviewing 69 bills, which included 55 requests for new states, two boundary adjustment petitions, and 278 proposals for new local governments. The retreat was co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy House Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

If adopted, the proposal would increase Nigeria’s states from 36 to 42, with each geopolitical zone gaining one new state. Under the plan:

• North West: 7 + 1 = 8 states

• North East: 6 + 1 = 7 states

• North Central: 6 + FCT = 7 states

• South West: 6 + 1 = 7 states

• South South: 6 + 1 = 7 states

• South East: 5 + 1 = 6 states

The South East, currently composed of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, remains the least represented region. Even with the addition of one state, it would still lag behind the North West’s proposed eight, sparking fresh concerns about political imbalance and perceived inequity. Stakeholders described the recommendation as politically insensitive and a superficial attempt at fairness.

Obidigbo Flags Hidden Agendas in Anioma Debate
Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo expressed deep concern over disputes within the South East regarding the proposed states of Adada, Etiti, and Anioma. He warned that political manipulation is being used to divide the Igbo.

“There is a covert effort to create disunity among the Igbo through notions of core and peripheral Igbo. These disagreements are unnecessary and dangerous,” Obidigbo told Daily Post. He called on Ohanaeze Ndigbo to convene a regional meeting to harmonise demands.

He outlined historical and political considerations:

• Adada State: Recognized as one of the oldest state creation demands in the South East.

• Etiti State: Supported as a homogenous Igbo area drawn from existing states.

• Anioma State: Politically risky, as the Delta State House of Assembly is unlikely to approve it as part of the South East. Obidigbo noted external actors are promoting Anioma to fracture Igbo unity.

He stressed that geography and local consent should guide decisions, with political and economic interests ultimately influencing votes more than any single lawmaker, including proponents like Senator Ned Munir Nwoko.

‘Equity Must Be Substantial, Not Symbolic’ – Nnabuife
Dr. Chuka Nnabuife, Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, welcomed the National Assembly’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s federating units but emphasized that true equity requires more than symbolic gestures.

He pointed out that state creation historically drives development and improves living standards, citing Nigeria’s growth from 12 to 36 states. However, under the current NASS proposal, the South East would move from five to six states, still fewer than other regions that would receive seven or eight states.

“For genuine equity, I suggest creating two states in the South East, one in other regions, and none in regions that already have seven. The South East should benefit substantially, not just symbolically,” Nnabuife said.

Next Steps
The NASS recommendation is not final. According to the Constitution, new states require:

• Approval by two-thirds of National Assembly members

• Support from two-thirds of state assemblies

• A referendum among the affected population

• Presidential assent

Ongoing debates within the South East and across other regions will determine whether consensus is reached.