Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that Anim State is currently the preferred option among the proposed new states aimed at bringing the South-East geopolitical zone to parity with other regions.
Kalu, who spoke during a press conference at his Bende country home on Friday, disclosed that Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State are also lobbying to be included in the proposed new state.
The Deputy Speaker, who chairs the House Committee on Constitutional Review, commended committee members for considering his passionate appeal that the South-East be granted an additional state to correct the imbalance in state representation across geopolitical zones.
He urged Igbo stakeholders to remain united, warning that internal divisions could derail the quest for a parity state.
Kalu noted that although more than 15 state creation proposals had been submitted, the South-East parity state had been prioritised before any other considerations.
“When you say proposed, it does not mean Parliament has approved it; it remains a public initiative. However, something significant happened during one of our joint retreats in Lagos involving both the Senate and the House of Representatives,” he explained.
“In that meeting, I made a strong case for equity, fairness, and balance, pointing out that while some geopolitical zones have six or seven states, the South-East has only five. I argued that national cohesion and unity demand that this imbalance be corrected, with the South-East as the first beneficiary.”
He said lawmakers from across the country—including the North, South-West, and South-South—supported the argument, resulting in a motion recommending the creation of one additional state in the South-East.
“Committees from both chambers were then constituted to fine-tune the proposal, and after extensive review, we narrowed it down to a state now known as Anim State,” he added.
However, Kalu noted ongoing lobbying from Igbo communities in Delta State advocating for the proposed name Animoma State, which would allow inclusion of Igbo communities across the Niger.
“That discussion is ongoing, and we will address it when we reconvene. Our focus remains on ensuring the South-East gets one additional state,” he said.
He appealed to South-East governors and stakeholders to present a united front, warning that disunity could hinder presidential assent even if Parliament approves the proposal.
“If Igbos truly want one extra state, all stakeholders must come together. If we are divided, it may affect the President’s willingness to assent, even with parliamentary backing,” he warned.
Electoral Act
Kalu also allayed fears that delays in passing the New Electoral Act could jeopardise the 2027 general elections, assuring Nigerians that the bill would be harmonised and passed once lawmakers resume.
“It is not true that the House of Representatives is delaying the Electoral Act. It was one of the last major tasks I handled before the legislature adjourned last year,” he said.
He explained that minor adjustments may still be required in Sections 25 or 31, adding that both chambers are working toward final concurrence.
“We expect the Senate to resolve its outstanding concerns so that when we meet, we can produce a final harmonised document. Significant work has already been done, and the process will be concluded soon,” he stated.
The Deputy Speaker further noted that public scrutiny of the bill is healthy and necessary.
“Nigerians have the right to seek information and express concerns. We are entering an election season, and it is important that we move at the right pace to avoid being caught by time,” he said.
“The National Assembly remains the People’s Parliament, and all constructive feedback will be given due attention.”
