The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has expressed its opposition to the creation of Orlu and Etiti States.
Instead, the youths urged the proponents of Orlu and Etiti States to support the birth of Anioma State.
In a press conference held on the 22 June, 2024, at the NUJ Press Center in Owerri, Imo State, National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka said as the apex socio-cultural youth organization of Ndigbo, they believe in the principles of equity, justice, and fairness.
The group also commended Senator Prince Chinedu Nwoko, also known as Ned Nwoko, for his well-articulated bill seeking the creation of an additional state in the southeast geopolitical zone to achieve political balance.
The council emphasizes the need for political equality in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region, which currently has only five states compared to the six states in other geopolitical zones, except for the North West with seven states.
“The bill presented by Nwoko highlights the importance of creating more states in the country to provide equal opportunities and political representation for the southwesterners.
The OYC believes that any progressive and patriotic Nigerian should not oppose the bill but support it as a means to promote national unity, integrity, fairness, and equity.
“The creation of Anioma State, as opposed to Orlu or Etiti State, should be seen as a step towards balanced political representation rather than regional benefits.
“The council acknowledges that injustice and lack of political equality have contributed to the current state of Nigeria. The creation of Anioma State is seen as a rescue mission to restore political balance and address the ongoing ethnic and political crises in the country.
“The proponents of Anioma State, unlike those supporting Orlu and Etiti States, demonstrate selflessness, equity, and fairness. The creation of Anioma State would also contribute to resolving ethnic conflicts in Edo and Delta States by considering the geographical dynamics and socio-political behaviors of the area,” the group said.
The council highlights that the proposed component of Anioma State shares similarities in terms of ethnic groups and political history with other states in the southeast.
They said the birth of Anioma State would promote zonal equity and address the marginalization of the southeast zone.
“The creation of Anioma State is considered a just and strategic means to address the agitation in the southeast and promote unity in the region. The OYC calls on the proponents of Orlu and Etiti States to withdraw their bills and support Dist. Sen. Ned Nwoko in the realization of Anioma State. The council also appeals to Igbo political leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders to rally support for the creation of Anioma State,” the OYC said, emphasizing that anyone pushing for the creation of Orlu or Etiti State without the mandate and support of the Igbo youths and Ndigbo is an enemy to the southern Nigeria and the southeast region.
The council appeals to all patriotic members of the National Assembly, as well as individuals from the North, Middle Belt, Southwest, and South-South, to view the creation of Anioma State as a regional political balance and national equity.
“The creation of Anioma State would contribute to calming the agitation in the southeast and fostering peaceful coexistence,” the group added.
