Nwoko: Kanu’s Release, Anioma State Key to South-East Peace
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, says lasting peace will continue to elude the South-East unless the federal government addresses the region’s long-standing grievances and sense of marginalisation.
Nwoko said the persistent unrest in the region stems from “perceived injustice by successive governments.”
According to him, the creation of Anioma State and the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), are key steps toward restoring calm and stability.
“The problem in the South-East has to do with perceived injustice by successive governments. To resolve it, two major actions are needed — the creation of a new state to make the number six, and the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Once that is done, peace will return,” Nwoko said.
The South-East currently has five states, one short of other geopolitical zones. The region has continued to face security challenges largely linked to IPOB’s agitation for a separate Biafran nation.
‘Kanu Held Unjustly’
Nwoko described Kanu’s continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) as unjust, saying it has become a major trigger for instability in the region. He called for a political solution to the matter to pave the way for meaningful dialogue.
‘Anioma State Best Gift for Igbos’
The senator, who is leading the campaign for the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State, said the proposal is gaining traction.
He revealed that the National Assembly’s joint committee on constitutional review has endorsed the idea of creating one additional state for the South-East.
“The committee is now considering which of the proposed states to choose. There are about seven options from the South-East, and we have presented our case at the public hearing in Enugu. I am confident we will be selected,” he said.
Nwoko expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would approve the new state if recommended, describing it as “the best gift” the president could offer to the Igbo people.
