Deputy Speaker Kalu Reiterates Support for Additional S’East State, Proposes ‘Animoma’ Solution

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Committee on Constitution Review, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu PhD, CFR has reiterated his support for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, while proposing a unifying “Animoma” model as a practical pathway forward.

Kalu made this known while receiving stakeholders of the Anioma State Movement during a courtesy visit, where he emphasized the need for inclusivity, dialogue, and regional consensus in the state creation process.

According to him, the creation of a new state cannot be achieved in isolation, stressing the importance of collaboration with governors and key stakeholders across both the South-East and South-South regions.

“You can’t do this without the Governors of the South-East and South-South. It is our duty to pass Bills, but critical stakeholders must be involved. If you ask me between having Anioma State and Anim State, I would prefer a fusion Animoma so that the two brothers can come together as one,” he said.

He urged proponents of separate state to embrace compromise for the greater good, noting that unity would strengthen the case for state creation.

“Whoever is proposing in isolation must be ready to give up some and accept some, so that brothers can unite and work together. Anything outside this approach is a waste of time. There must be agreement—South-East accepting, South-South accepting—to move forward,” he stated

On the issue of the proposed state capital, Kalu said that the location would emerge through negotiation and democratic consensus.

Kalu further noted that while the proposal is achievable, its success depends on the willingness of stakeholders to engage constructively and promptly.

He highlighted the importance of a humanitarian approach in the discussions, noting that the process requires patience, understanding, and empathy.

The Deputy Speaker assured that as Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, he would continue to prioritize the creation of an additional state for the South-East, while commending Sen. Ned Nwoko for his relentless advocacy for the Anioma cause.

Kalu outlined key criteria that must guide state creation efforts, including geographical considerations, historical and cultural identity, economic viability, political dynamics, and regional alignment.

“We must ask: who are our neighbours? Who is joining us? Why should they join us? These are the core indicators we must evaluate as we move forward,” he added

Earlier, the delegation led by the lead proponent of the movement for Anioma State, Sen. Ned Nwoko, said their mission is to show appreciation to the Deputy Speaker.

In their separate remarks, King of Ubulu-uno Delta, HRM Henry Kikachukwu and President of Izu Anioma, Evang Dr. RCD Nwadavid said that the agitation for Anioma State is not a personal interest but a long overdue need to rightfully and fully identify as Ndi Igbo.

“We are here to let you know that the quest for Anioma has been so long. So many decades. We are Igbos and we want to fully identify as Ndi Igbo. We need Anioma to be created as the sixth state in the South-East,” Nwadavid said

Signed:

Udora Orizu, SA Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria