10 reasons why Anioma State should be in the south-east geopolitical zone

Ayo Akinfe

[1] It will be a predominantly Igbo-speaking state

[2] Even if the people do not consider themselves Igbo, there are enough cultural ties that bond them with other states in the south-east geo-political zone

3] Aniomans have always been treated as second class Igbos because they were part of the Western Region and Bendel States. If they are made part of the south-east, that will stop.

[4] Let us face it, the Urhobos, Itshekhiris and Ijaws in Delta State outnumber the Aniomas and would not allow them to achieve dominant positions within the state

[5] At the moment, the south-east is the one zone crying out for more states. Apart from Etiti State, there is not much room for the creation of others.

[6] There is nothing wrong with states in one zone being on different sides of the River Niger. Remember that Benue State is south of the river, as is Kwara State, yet they are in the north central zone.

 [7] According to Cornelius Adebayo, the Yorubas in Kwara and Kogi States want to create Oya State and make it part of the south-west. If this happens, a precedence has been set.

[8] I know a lot of Aniomans have a deep afinity towards Benin and Edo but being part of the south-east does not mean this will end. The Yorubas of Ilorin do not stop celebrating the Oro festival just because they are in the north-central political zone.

[9] A lot of Aniomans have not been able to occupy positions their abilities deserve because they have been victims of not being clear cut members of ethnic groups. For instance Senator Patrick Osakwe of Asaba could not be put forward for senate president, despite the fact that he is probably the most qualified Igbo-speaking senator for the job. Being part of the sout-east will resolve this.

[10] Creating Anioma State and making it part of the south-east, should lead to an increased westward migration of Igbos. This is necessary because of the high population density in the region which is putting pressure on resources, leading to a host of social problems.