…State Creation Is Not a Status Symbol’ — Deputy Speaker urges Unity
By Gloria Ikibah
Leaders from Nigeria’s South-East have thrown their weight behind the proposed creation of ANIM State, presenting a rare display of regional unity as political figures, traditional rulers and lawmakers intensified engagement with the National Assembly. 
The delegation, largely drawn from Imo and Anambra states, visited the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, to acknowledge his efforts in helping the region reach a consensus on the proposed state as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Facilitating the visit, Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, explained that the delegation was representing communities from the two states advocating for the creation of ANIM State.
“We have come here in a representative capacity from Imo State and Anambra State that are looking for this state called ANIM State,” he said.
Izunaso said the initiative has gathered broad support from political leaders, traditional rulers and local government authorities within the affected areas.
According to him, the delegation included members of the Imo and Anambra State Houses of Assembly, local government chairmen, leaders of the ANIM State advocacy movement and representatives of traditional institutions across the South-East.
He also noted that the campaign for the proposed state had already gained legislative backing at the constituency level, as federal lawmakers representing the concerned areas had passed resolutions endorsing the proposal.
Izunaso further revealed that preparations were already underway in anticipation of the eventual creation of the state, including infrastructural development in the proposed capital area.
He added that several development projects had already transformed the area.
“The Imo State government has already built a government house in Orlu in preparation for the pronouncement of ANIM State.
“If you enter Orlu now, you will not recognise the town again. The internal roads have been fixed, hospitals are in good shape and the universities are functioning well. We are ready and only waiting for the pronouncement of the state,” he said.
Izunaso explained that the visit was also intended to express appreciation to the Deputy Speaker for his leadership in helping the South-East arrive at a common proposal for the creation of an additional state.
“When the National Assembly committees on constitutional review asked the South-East to produce one additional state, it was the Deputy Speaker who took the leadership, convened meetings and worked tirelessly until the region arrived at a consensus.
“He is not from Imo or Anambra, yet God used him to play this role at this critical time. That is why we came here to thank him,” Izunaso said.
In response, the Deputy Speaker threw his weight behind the push for the creation of a new state in the South-East, urging political leaders and stakeholders in the region to unite and intensify lobbying efforts to make the proposed ANIM State a reality.
The creation of the state which is coined from parts of Anambra and Imo states,
He stressed that the demand for a new state should not be viewed merely as a symbolic aspiration but as a pathway to development and equitable representation.
“In the history of our development, state creation is not just a status symbol. To have a state is not just to have a level or a path. No. It is an instrument of development to ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down more and more to the grassroots,” Kalu said.
The Deputy Speaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Review of the Nigerian Constitution, welcomed the delegation to what he described as “the people’s house”, noting that despite a demanding legislative schedule, he considered the engagement critical.
“It’s been a long day because we have been in plenary today and from sitting we came straight here because we know how important this is to you and as well to me,” he said.
Kalu acknowledged that the South-East currently lags behind other geopolitical zones in the number of states, describing the imbalance as an issue that deserves careful constitutional consideration.
He however, cautioned that the quest for state creation must be pursued through diplomacy and consensus rather than agitation or confrontation.
“When you look at a comparative analysis of these states, you find out that only one region, the South-East, is lagging behind. It ought not to be so.
“To achieve that is not through violence, not through shouting and complaining of alienation or marginalisation. No. It’s through friendship. It’s through shaking hands across the Niger. It’s through negotiation and embracing one another as one nation,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker urged proponents of the proposed ANIM State to expand their advocacy beyond the South-East, emphasising that the approval process requires national support within the legislature.
Kalu also reminded the delegation that he would preside over proceedings when the issue eventually comes before the House, meaning he would not be able to vote on the matter.
“Please, if you have any northern friend, impress him. If you have any south-western friend, impress him. If you have a south-south friend, impress him. Because they are going to be in the room when the vote will be called,” he said.
“My vote alone cannot do it. I won’t even have a vote because I’ll be presiding,” he explained.
He further advised the group to engage all governors in the South-East as part of their lobbying strategy, stressing that the success of the proposal would depend on regional consensus.
Kalu also called for flexibility during negotiations that may arise during the constitutional amendment process, suggesting that proponents should remain open to possible adjustments to the proposed territorial boundaries.
“You cannot do this alone without involving the governors of the South-East states. Please, let nobody lie to you. All the governors of the South-East, especially the affected areas, must come into agreement.
“If the powers that be recommend that there be an expansion to make sure that the parameters of your territorial jurisdiction are increased, not shrinking you but expanding you, please accept that,” he urged.
Drawing from an Igbo proverb, the Deputy Speaker highlighted the importance of reciprocity in politics.
“If the right hand washes the left hand, the left hand will wash the right hand,” he said, urging the region to build strategic alliances that would advance its interests.
He assured the delegation that their appreciation and engagement reflected the cooperative spirit necessary to achieve the goal.
“I am sure that Ndigbo will be made whole because you cared enough to come back and say thank you,” Kalu added.
