RENEWED HOPE FOR ANIM STATE AS DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT ASSURES SUPPORT

RENEWED HOPE FOR ANIM STATE AS DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT ASSURES SUPPORT

• “YOUR AGITATION FOR EQUITY IS JUSTIFIED” – SENATOR BARAU JIBRIN

David Nwaenyi – Abuja, Nigeria
27th February, 2025

In what can best be described as a boost to the ongoing campaign for the creation of Anim State, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has assured stakeholders from the affected areas of the South East that their demand for equity is justified and will receive serious consideration from the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment under his leadership.

Senator Jibrin made this declaration during a high-level engagement with proponents of Anim State creation movement which included political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups – held in his National Assembly office yesterday. Addressing the delegation, he emphasized that correcting the historical imbalance in the number of states across geopolitical zones is a matter of fairness and a move that will promote national unity.

“Your agitation for equity is justified, and this committee, under my leadership, will do our best to see Anim State become a reality,” Senator Jibrin assured, drawing resounding applause from the delegation.

The push for Anim State, a proposed additional state for the Southeast geopolitical zone, has gained momentum as stakeholders highlight the long-standing marginalization of the region in state creation. The Southeast remains the only zone with five states, while others have at least six. Senator Osita Izunaso who is the sponsor of the Anim State Creation Bill argues that the creation of Anim State would enhance political representation, economic development, and administrative efficiency in the region.

Senator Jibrin reaffirmed that the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment will objectively assess the proposal, ensuring that national interest, legal provisions, and the principles of fairness guide the process.

In response to the Deputy Senate President’s assurances, prominent stakeholders expressed gratitude and urged the 10th National Assembly led by His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio to fast-track the necessary constitutional alteration. They reiterated that Anim State is not just a political demand but a moral imperative for national cohesion and sustainable development.

The Ag. chairman of the Anim State Creation movement, Chief P.C. Mgbenwelu commended Senator Jibrin’s leadership, describing his remarks as a significant milestone in the struggle for equity and justice by the people of the Southeast.

Senator Jibrin’s reassurance marks a pivotal moment in the agitation for Anim State, signaling that the National Assembly is open to addressing regional disparities in state creation. While challenges may remain, his commitment has injected new energy into the movement, giving fresh hope to the people of the Southeast.

With the legislative process gaining traction, all eyes are now on the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment to turn words into action and move Nigeria closer to achieving true equity.