A landmark bill proposing the creation of a sixth state in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the Senate. The bill, now under consideration by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, seeks to correct what its sponsors describe as a longstanding structural imbalance among the country’s six regions.
Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West Senatorial District, disclosed this development during a media chat in Abuja while marking his second anniversary in office. According to the senator, the proposed state, tentatively named ANIM State, would be carved out of parts of Imo and Anambra States.
“The goal here is not to seek any special treatment,” Senator Izunaso stated. “It is about correcting a clear imbalance. While most regions have six states, and the North-West has seven, the South-East remains the only zone with just five states.”
He explained that the inequity has placed the South-East at a significant disadvantage in national representation and resource allocation. The senator emphasized that the state creation process would strictly follow legal and constitutional procedures, including a referendum, and assured that it would not be imposed on the people.
In a related address, Senator Izunaso also called on the Federal Government to resolve the ongoing case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through political means. Kanu is currently facing terrorism-related charges, with his trial recently moved to the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters to inspect a shipping container allegedly used to import a radio transmitter for Radio Biafra.
Senator Izunaso urged the government to consider granting conditional bail to Kanu, arguing that such a move could help de-escalate tensions and reduce the wave of insecurity currently plaguing the South-East.
“The release of Nnamdi Kanu under lawful conditions would deny criminal elements any political justification for their actions,” the senator stated.
The proposal for ANIM State and the senator's call for political resolution in the IPOB matter have sparked new debates about equity, justice, and security in Nigeria’s South-East.
