The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) has reaffirmed its call for the creation of Anioma State and appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address the matter. This appeal was detailed in a statement titled “United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, Worldwide Continues to Advocate for the Creation of Anioma State.” The document, signed by the group’s Director General, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Director of Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, and 11 other council members, emphasized that while UNIEC supports the establishment of additional states within the Southeast, Anioma State should be prioritized.

The council clarified that its advocacy for Anioma State is not meant to oppose other proposed states such as Aba, Adada, Etiti, Njaba, Orashi, or Orlu but rather to underscore the unique and pressing need for Anioma’s creation. The statement pointed to historical and political marginalization faced by the Anioma region and the Igbo community at large as a justification for its request. UNIEC further highlighted the widespread support for the initiative, including endorsements during the Asaba Stakeholders Summit held on August 31, 2024.

UNIEC maintains that the establishment of Anioma State would lead to more equitable development in the Southeast and the broader Nigerian federation. It envisions Anioma State as a catalyst for creating balanced development poles in the region, potentially addressing systemic imbalances and fostering national unity. The council’s statement reiterates its confidence that President Tinubu will heed their call, advancing the long-sought goal of Anioma State creation.