Ohanaeze Advocates Anioma State, Warns Against Political Sabotage

The apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo Nation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commenced a robust series of consultative meetings with key stakeholders and leaders from across Nigeria this past weekend. Our paramount objective is to advocate for the creation of Anioma State, a decision rooted in the unwavering principles of unity, historical sacrifice, and a commitment to economic and political viability within our beloved Igbo Nation.

The choice to pursue the establishment of Anioma State has been meticulously influenced by selfless and unbiased considerations, deeply informed by the historical sacrifices made by the Anioma people during the Nigeria-Biafra War. This choice is not merely about state creation but about honoring the legacy of those who exhibited exceptional patriotism in tumultuous times. The unification of the Igbo Nation stands as a foundational tenet; it is imperative that we prioritize our collective aspirations above the transient interests of entrenched political elites who are agitated by the widespread support for the Anioma State Movement. This movement has resonated profoundly across various divides, garnering substantial backing from diverse Igbo constituents and stakeholders consulted in this process.

To bring clarity and transparency to our endeavors, it is essential to contextualize our journey. On September 28, 2023, Ohanaeze Ndigbo established a seven-member ad-hoc committee dedicated to the exploration of State Creation, under the competent chairmanship of Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa. This committee was tasked with reviewing previous reports and recommendations regarding state creation, notably those articulated in 2017, which proposed the establishment of Aba State for the Southeast. The efficacy and implementation of these recommendations were unfortunately compromised due to a failure to submit the approved proposal for Aba State to former President Muhammadu Buhari—an administration that had expressed a willingness to accommodate additional states for the Southeast, aimed at achieving parity with the South-South, Southwest, North Central, and Northeast zones, each endowed with six states.

Regrettably, the opportunity crafted was squandered through the miscalculations of former President General Nnia Nwodo, whose decisions were impeded by the inordinate political interests of a cabal, which ultimately stifled progress and led to the unfortunate loss of the Aba State initiative. Nevertheless, we maintain that hope remains for Aba State’s eventual creation, fueled by the success of the current push for Anioma State.

The Committee led by Professor Chibuikeya Achokawa has dedicated a commendable 13 months—since its formation—to exhaustive study, engagement, and consultations throughout the Igbo community. On November 25, 2024, this committee submitted a comprehensive report recommending the creation of two additional states for the Southeast, with Anioma State prioritized first, followed by Aba State. We earnestly call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide his approval and support for this historic initiative.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasized that our organization is actively engaging with influential Nigerian leaders, including allies of President Tinubu from the Southwest, to galvanize support for the dual creation of states—not only for the Southeast but also for other geopolitical zones. Our lobbying efforts commenced on November 7, 2024, and we remain committed to maintaining dialogue with the Presidency, the 10th National Assembly, both Northern and Southwest political and traditional rulers, and influential leaders across Nigeria, with consultations expected to conclude by December 31, 2024.

We would like to make it unequivocally clear that the adoption of Anioma State is an irreversible mandate that serves the greater interests of the Igbo Nation. We caution any desperate political elites and their cohorts, who may angrily protest against the call for Anioma State, to recognize that their voices represent a minority amidst a collective yearning for progress. We implore them to accept this consensus in pursuit of our shared aspirations.

This time around, we at Ohanaeze Ndigbo will not tolerate further distractions or disunity in our strategic pursuits. The choice of Anioma State is based on merit and the profound needs of our people—not on the whims of personal ambition or political vendettas.

In conclusion, we invite all members of the Igbo Nation, along with our partners and allies, to stand united in support of this crucial cause. Together, let us forge a path toward a future rich with opportunity, representation, and harmony for our beloved Igbo people.

SIGNED:

MAZI OKECHUKWU ISIGUZORO
SECRETARY GENERAL
OHANAEZE NDIGBO

PROF. CHIBUIKEYA ACHOKAWA
CHAIRMAN
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION

CHIEF ALEXANDER OKEMIRI
SECRETARY
OHANAEZE COMMITTEE ON STATE CREATION