Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West, has disclosed that the Nigerian Senate is currently deliberating a bill proposing the creation of a new state in the South-East region, to be named Anim State.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, June 13, Izunaso said the bill has already passed its second reading and is now with the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. He explained that the proposed Anim State would be formed from parts of Anambra and Imo states.
“This is not about doing anyone a favour—it’s about equity,” Izunaso stated. “Every other region in Nigeria has six states, except the South-East, which has only five.”
He pointed out the structural imbalance in Nigeria’s federal system, noting that the North-West has seven states, while the North-East, North-Central, South-West, and South-South each have six. This, he said, has left the South-East at a disadvantage and contributed to long-standing regional grievances.
Izunaso emphasized that the process would follow due democratic procedures, including a referendum. “You can’t create a state by fiat. The people must agree through a referendum. That’s the democratic way,” he said.
