A prominent monarch in Imo State, Eze John Nwosu, has emphasized that the creation of an additional state in the Southeast region would foster development and unity, rather than division. The former Chairman of the Orlu Council of Elders made this assertion while addressing journalists at his palace, stressing the need for the region to present a united front in its quest for a new state.
Eze Nwosu, who is the traditional ruler of Isiokwu Ihioma Autonomous Community in Orlu Local Government Area, noted that the Southeast zone is currently the only region in the federation with the fewest states. This, he said, has resulted in the region being disadvantaged in terms of revenue sharing, political appointments, and other benefits. The monarch suggested that the proposed Anim State, which is gaining widespread acceptance, should be considered due to its broad representation. The name “Anim” is an acronym derived from the first two initials of Anambra and Imo states.
According to Eze Nwosu, the creation of Anim State would be a reunion of sorts, as the other three states in the region – Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi – were originally carved out of Anambra and Imo. He also acknowledged the proposals for other states, such as Anioma, Aba, Adada, and Orashi, but noted that these are being championed by individual states or groups outside the zone.
The monarch cautioned against allowing the quest for a new state to create divisions within the region, instead urging the people to work together to advance development. He pointed out that the Southeast zone has been shortchanged for a long time due to its limited number of states, which affects revenue sharing and political representation. Eze Nwosu emphasized that the creation of an additional state would help to address these disparities and promote the region’s overall development.
Furthermore, the monarch stated that there is still a need for more than one state to be carved out within the Southeast region, highlighting the importance of a unified approach to achieving this goal. By presenting a united front, the region can effectively advocate for its interests and work towards creating a more equitable and prosperous future.
