Anioma State: Correcting Southeast Nigeria’s Geopolitical Imbalance

Nigeria’s geopolitical structure has long been a subject of scrutiny, with state distribution disparities affecting political representation and resource allocation. Among all six geopolitical zones, the Southeast remains the only region with just five states, whereas others have six or seven.

This numerical disadvantage has fueled longstanding calls for restructuring, with the creation of Anioma State emerging as a viable solution to equalize representation and uphold constitutional fairness. The push for Anioma State is not just about administrative reorganization—it is a fight for equity, identity, and political balance.

The Anioma people, predominantly residing in Delta North Senatorial District, trace their lineage to Igbo ancestry. The name Anioma itself is an acronym, derived from Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili—the four major subgroups that share a common linguistic and cultural heritage with the Igbo of the Southeast.

• Ethnic Identity: The Anioma people speak Igbo and share historical ties with the Southeast, despite being politically grouped within Delta State (South-South region).
• Political Misalignment: The administrative separation of Anioma from its Igbo brethren has created anomalies in representation, leading to calls for reintegration.
• Legislative Disadvantage: The Southeast currently has only 15 senators, whereas other zones have at least 18, highlighting a systemic imbalance.

The campaign for Anioma State has received endorsements from prominent leaders who recognize the urgent need for political restructuring.

• Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State governor and current senator, has repeatedly advocated for the establishment of Anioma State.
• He asserts that Anioma has always been Igbo and that its inclusion in the Southeast geopolitical zone would rectify historical misplacements.
• Kalu emphasizes that the Southeast must have six states like other regions to ensure equal representation in governance and federal allocations.

• Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North, has been a vocal advocate for the creation of Anioma State.
• He argues that the Southeast’s legislative disadvantage weakens its political influence, making it imperative to restructure for fairness.
• Nwoko has actively pursued constitutional amendments that would facilitate the creation of Anioma State.

The distribution of states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones reveals a clear imbalance in representation:

 
    "North-West": 7
    "North-East": 6
    "North-Central": 6
    "South-West": 6
    "South-South": 6
    "South-East": 5

This numerical disparity affects:

• Legislative Power – Fewer senators and representatives weaken the Southeast’s bargaining ability in national policies.
• Federal Resource Allocation – Fewer states mean lower revenue allocation, impacting infrastructure development.
• Political Influence – The Southeast’s underrepresentation limits decision-making power in governance.

The Constitutional Roadblocks

Despite its strong merits, Anioma State must overcome constitutional hurdles to become a reality.

• Legal Requirements – According to recent legislative reviews, none of Nigeria’s 31 state creation requests have met all constitutional conditions.
• National Assembly Approval – The process demands two-thirds majority support from both chambers, requiring widespread backing from other regions.
• Public Referendum – The Anioma people and Southeast leaders must mobilize grassroots efforts to secure a national consensus.

The creation of Anioma State is more than a political discussion—it is a constitutional imperative for equitable representation. Addressing the imbalance in Nigeria’s federal structure will strengthen national unity and empower the Igbo people economically and politically.

By correcting this historical oversight, Nigeria moves closer to a true federalism where every ethnic group and geopolitical zone receives fair representation and opportunities.

The call for Anioma State is a call for justice, and the time to act is now.