South-east marginalised: Uzodimma demands end to injustice

DDM News

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has renewed calls for the creation of two additional states in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the governor made this call during the Constitution Amendment Zonal Public Hearing (Centre B) held at the Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The event, which focused on proposals from Imo and Abia States, was attended by top political stakeholders, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Others present were the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ruby Emele, traditional leaders, and other prominent personalities.

Governor Uzodimma argued that the South-East remains the only region in Nigeria with just five states, compared to the six or seven states in other geopolitical zones.

He stressed that this long-standing imbalance has resulted in significant underrepresentation of the region in critical national affairs and decision-making institutions.

According to him, “This imbalance has created a huge gap in political representation and federal resource allocation, which puts the South-East at a disadvantage.”

The governor added, “The principle of equity, justice, and fairness demands that this structural defect be urgently corrected through the creation of at least two more states for the South-East zone.”

He called on the National Assembly to prioritize this issue in the ongoing constitutional review process, stating that the legitimate aspirations of the region should not be ignored.

This is not the first time the South-East has agitated for additional states.

Over the years, various groups and individuals from the region have consistently highlighted the imbalance in the state structure as a contributing factor to the political and economic marginalization of Ndigbo.

Proposals such as the creation of Etiti, Adada, or Orashi State have been floated in the past, each enjoying different levels of grassroots support and lobbying.

However, none of these efforts have materialized due to political resistance and lack of consensus at the federal level.

With the renewed push coming from a sitting governor and supported by high-ranking legislators like Hon. Benjamin Kalu, observers believe the call might gain more traction in this constitutional review cycle.

Analysts say it remains to be seen how the National Assembly will treat the South-East demand, especially in light of the current political climate, where issues of inclusion and restructuring are increasingly shaping national discourse.

Governor Uzodimma’s firm tone during the hearing suggests that the South-East leadership is determined to see tangible results this time around.

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