Internal Rifts Threaten Southeast’s Bid for New State

Efforts to create an additional state in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone are facing significant challenges. National Assembly members from the region are not unified on the proposal, leading to friction and potential delays.

Several attempts have been made in the past to carve out new states from the existing five in the Southeast. These include proposals for Etiti State, Orashi State, Njaba State, Aba State, and Adada State.

Recently, Ikenga Ugochinyere, a House of Representatives member from Imo State, introduced a bill to create Orlu State. This proposed state would be formed from parts of Imo, Anambra, and Abia states, with its capital in Orlu. The bill also suggests creating three additional senatorial districts and more House of Representatives seats.

However, opposition has emerged. Peter Uzokwe, representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo in Anambra State, has criticized the proposal. Uzokwe alleges that Ugochinyere included his hometown, Ozubulu, in the new state without proper consultation. He fears this move could reduce Ozubulu’s influence and lead to conflict.

“Our investments are in Anambra State, Nnewi, and Onitsha. Moving Ozubulu to Orlu would disrupt these ties and potentially lead to conflict,” Uzokwe said, adding that the creation of new states could incite regional wars.

The controversy over Orlu State has also drawn reactions from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group. Alex Ogbonnia, the group’s spokesperson, revealed that a committee chaired by former Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo is examining the issue. The committee aims to present a unified Igbo position on state creation.

Furthermore, the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has rejected the Orlu State proposal, calling it a divisive agenda. They prefer the creation of Etiti State, which they argue is more inclusive and covers parts of all five existing Southeast states.

The creation of new states in Nigeria is a complex process, involving legislative approval, referendums, and broad consensus. No civilian government has successfully created a state since the Midwest region’s formation in 1963. Military regimes were responsible for all subsequent state creations.

Legal expert Kelechukwu Eni-Otu emphasized the need to consider ethnic identities and cultural similarities in such proposals. He warned that creating a state without thorough consultation and support could lead to identity crises and conflict.

The ongoing disputes and lack of consensus among Southeast lawmakers and stakeholders may jeopardize the effort to create an additional state in the region, despite a broad agreement on its necessity.