Igbo Elders Say Anioma State Demand Tests Nigeria’s Commitment to Justice

The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide has said the proposed creation of Anioma State represents a historical necessity, not a political convenience, cautioning that continued delay risks entrenching injustice.

In a statement issued Thursday, the group framed the proposal as a benchmark for Nigeria’s dedication to justice, equity, and genuine federalism, describing it as a pivotal moment in the nation’s evolution.

The statement, titled “Anioma State is a test of justice, a moment for history,” was signed by UNIEC Director General Justice Alpha Ikpeama and National Director of Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe.

According to the elders, the renewed push for Anioma State in the National Assembly signals more than routine constitutional review, instead highlighting deeper concerns about fairness and representation.

“The creation of Anioma State is a litmus test of Nigeria’s sincerity about justice, equity and true federalism. It is not a political convenience; it is a historical necessity,” the group stated.

They emphasised that the Anioma people—despite their cultural and historical ties to the broader Igbo nation—have long existed within a framework that does not fully reflect their identity or meet their developmental needs.

“Their demand is not rooted in division, but in dignity; not in exclusion, but in inclusion. To ignore the demand any longer is to perpetuate a quiet injustice,” the statement added.

UNIEC described increasing legislative support as a sign of a “national awakening,” suggesting the country may be ready to address structural imbalances.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to act decisively, warning that history would judge leaders by their willingness to respond.

“History will not remember procedural delays. It will remember courage or the lack of it. If Nigeria seeks stability, it must embrace fairness; if it desires unity, it must institutionalise equity,” the elders said.

On structural proposals, UNIEC backed Asaba as the capital of the proposed Anioma State, while recommending Warri as the capital of a reconfigured Delta State, describing the arrangement as both symbolic and pragmatic.

It noted that Asaba embodies Anioma’s cultural and political identity, while Warri’s economic capacity and infrastructure make it suited for administrative leadership.

“This is not a zero-sum arrangement but a model of balance Nigeria urgently needs, where identity and efficiency coexist,” the group said.

The elders also warned against bureaucratic delays, citing Nigeria’s tendency to acknowledge legitimate demands without timely action.

“Every delay deepens distrust, and every hesitation reinforces the perception that some regions must continually negotiate for recognition,” they stated.

Maintaining that the issue transcends regional concerns, UNIEC argued that the decision will shape the future of Nigeria’s federal structure.

“To grant it is to send a powerful message that Nigeria, despite its challenges, is still capable of fairness, courage and historic redemption. The time is now,” the statement concluded.

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