By; Hon. David Nwaenyi, Ph.D.
Nigeria’s democratic journey has been defined by continuous efforts to build a federation that reflects justice, equity, and balanced representation among its constituent parts. From the early years of independence through successive constitutional reforms, the creation of states has served as one of the most significant mechanisms for addressing structural imbalances and promoting national integration. Yet, more than five decades after the restructuring of Nigeria’s regional system began, a striking anomaly remains: the South-East geopolitical zone is the only zone in the federation with five states, while all other geopolitical zones have six or more.
This imbalance is not merely a numerical disparity. It has deep implications for political representation, resource allocation, administrative efficiency, and ultimately the perception of fairness within the Nigerian federation. It is within this broader context that the a bill proposing the creation of ANIM State emerged; not as an act of regional agitation, but as a legitimate constitutional quest for equity and national balance.
The time has come for Nigeria to confront this structural inequity with courage, foresight, and statesmanship.
The Nigerian Constitution provides a clear legal framework for the creation of new states, recognizing that the federation must evolve to reflect demographic realities, governance needs, and the aspirations of its people. The process is intentionally rigorous, requiring consensus among elected representatives, state legislatures, and the National Assembly, culminating in presidential assent.
This constitutional pathway highlight an important principle: state creation in Nigeria is not an act of political charity but a legitimate democratic process.
Throughout Nigeria’s history, state creation has served several important purposes. It has helped to reduce administrative burdens, bring governance closer to the people, enhance political participation, and promote development in previously marginalized areas. From the creation of states in 1967 to subsequent exercises in 1976, 1987, 1991, and 1997, the expansion of Nigeria’s state structure has consistently aimed at strengthening the federation.
However, the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone that has not benefitted from this balancing process in equal measure.
Nigeria’s federal structure is built on the principle that no region should feel excluded from the benefits of national governance. Yet the reality remains that the South-East, with only five states, is structurally disadvantaged compared with other zones.
This disparity affects several dimensions of governance. For instance, state representation influences the number of senators, members of the House of Representatives, federal constituencies, and political appointments available to a region. It also shapes access to federal resources, development programs, and institutional opportunities.
In practical terms, a zone with fewer states inevitably has less political weight and fewer opportunities for its citizens within the federal system.
Correcting this imbalance through the creation of ANIM State would therefore represent not only a victory for the South-East but also a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to fairness and inclusive governance.
Beyond the question of equity, the proposed ANIM State holds significant promise for economic and social transformation. New states historically serve as engines of development, creating new administrative capitals, infrastructure projects, and employment opportunities.
The creation of ANIM State would generate thousands of jobs across multiple sectors, including public administration, construction, education, healthcare, and private enterprise. The establishment of new government institutions; ministries, agencies, courts, and security formations; would stimulate economic activity and attract both local and foreign investment.
Furthermore, a new state would enhance grassroots political participation, allowing more citizens to engage directly in governance. This expansion of democratic space strengthens accountability and encourages civic engagement, both of which are essential for sustainable development.
The benefits, therefore, extend far beyond the immediate region; they contribute to Nigeria’s broader goals of economic growth and national stability.
At this historic moment, the responsibility for advancing the ANIM State proposal rests significantly with the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly the distinguished members of the Nigerian National Assembly.
Legislators are not merely representatives of constituencies; they are custodians of Nigeria’s democratic destiny. Their decisions shape the architecture of governance for generations to come.
The current opportunity to address the South-East state imbalance represents a defining moment in Nigeria’s legislative history. By supporting the constitutional process for the creation of ANIM State, members of the National Assembly would be making a profound statement about the nation’s commitment to justice and equity.
Such an act would demonstrate that Nigeria’s democracy is capable of correcting historical imbalances through peaceful and constitutional means.
Ultimately, the successful creation of a new state requires the assent and support of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this regard, the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu carries immense historical significance.
Every generation of political leaders is presented with moments that define their legacy. For President Tinubu, the opportunity to support the democratic creation of ANIM State represents such a moment.
By doing so, he would not only address a long-standing structural imbalance but also become the first civilian President in Nigeria’s democratic era to oversee the creation of a new state through constitutional processes.
Such a legacy would be remembered as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution; one that strengthened national unity by responding to legitimate regional aspirations.
The progress achieved thus far in the ANIM State movement has been made possible through the dedication and support of numerous stakeholders.
Particularly noteworthy is the commitment of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Hope Uzodimma, whose leadership and encouragement have been instrumental in sustaining the momentum behind this historic cause. His support reflects a deep understanding that the creation of a new state represents not only a political objective but also a pathway to economic expansion and regional stability.
Equally deserving of recognition are the members of the ANIM State creation movement, community leaders, legislators, scholars, and citizens who have remained steadfast in their advocacy.
Their resilience demonstrates that legitimate aspirations, when pursued through constitutional and peaceful means, can inspire collective progress.
History teaches that transformative change often requires persistence. The journey toward state creation is inevitably complex, involving constitutional procedures, political negotiations, and broad national consensus.
Members of the ANIM State creation movement must therefore remain resolute. The pursuit of equity is rarely achieved overnight, but sustained commitment, strategic engagement, and unity of purpose can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
This movement must continue to operate with dignity, intellectual rigor, and respect for democratic institutions, ensuring that its advocacy remains constructive and nationally beneficial.
The creation of ANIM State ultimately represents more than a regional aspiration; it symbolizes Nigeria’s capacity to renew its federal structure in the spirit of fairness and inclusivity.
A federation thrives when every constituent unit feels recognized, represented, and valued. Addressing the South-East’s state imbalance would therefore strengthen the bonds of national unity and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
At a time when nations across the world grapple with questions of representation and inclusion, Nigeria has an opportunity to demonstrate that constitutional democracy can effectively respond to legitimate grievances.
The quest for ANIM State is fundamentally a quest for equity, development, and national cohesion. It is a call for Nigeria to live up to the ideals upon which its federal system was founded.
The moment has arrived for all stakeholders; legislators, political leaders, civil society, and citizens, to join forces in addressing this long-standing imbalance.
By supporting the creation of ANIM State, the National Assembly and the President would not only correct a historical anomaly but also inscribe their names in the enduring narrative of Nigeria’s democratic progress.
History remembers those who seize moments of opportunity to advance justice and unity. The opportunity is now before us.
The future of a more balanced and inclusive Nigerian federation may well depend on the decisions made today.
