Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has attributed the ongoing unrest in the South-East region to what he described as years of “perceived marginalisation” by successive administrations.
In recent years, the South-East has faced persistent turmoil, largely tied to agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group pushing for the establishment of an independent Biafra nation.
Senator Nwoko, who is championing the creation of Anioma State from Delta State to serve as the sixth state in the South-East, believes the government needs to take two critical steps to restore peace to the region.
According to him, establishing Anioma State and releasing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu are the key measures that would end the tension and usher in long-term stability.
“The problem in the South-East has to do with the perceived injustice by successive governments,” Senator Nwoko said during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
“So, what needs to be done, and it’s one of the reasons I am here today, is the creation of a new state to make up the number to six, and then the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“By the time you do these two things, I am almost certain that peace will return to the South-East.”
‘Nnamdi Kanu Held Unjustly’
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his arrest in June 2021. He is currently facing terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Over time, various political leaders and stakeholders—especially from the South-East—have urged the Federal Government to adopt a political resolution that would secure Kanu’s release.
Senator Nwoko joined this call, stressing that Kanu’s continued detention is unjust and remains a key driver of the region’s instability.
‘Almost Certain of Anioma State’
The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has endorsed the creation of an additional state in the South-East. Senator Nwoko expressed confidence that Anioma State stands a strong chance of being approved.
“Now, what has happened is that the National Assembly has put together a committee to decide which state to choose. There are about seven states from the South-East, and we are one of them.
“At the public hearing in Enugu, we also presented our case, so I am almost certain that we will be chosen,” he stated.
He further expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would support the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a meaningful and historic gift to the Anioma people and the Igbo nation at large.
What You Should Know
Ned Nwoko, a senator from Delta North, is leading the campaign for Anioma State, which he believes will balance state representation in the South-East and help address regional grievances.
He maintains that combining this with the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu would pave the way for lasting peace and reconciliation in the region.
