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Nigeria Politics
The bill concerning the sixth state in the South-East has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate.
Senator Osita Izunaso
A bill aimed at establishing a new state within the South-East geopolitical zone of the nation has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate and is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review.
Senator Osita Izunaso, who represents Imo West, announced this development on Friday during a media briefing in Abuja, where he celebrated his two-year tenure in the National Assembly.
He disclosed that the proposed state, provisionally named ANIM State, will be formed from portions of Anambra and Imo States.
"It is not a favor; it is a question of equity," Izunaso asserted. "Every other region in the country has six states, while the South-East has only five.
"We are not demanding too much, merely seeking the balance that Nigeria's federal structure necessitates," the legislator stated.
At present, Nigeria's geopolitical arrangement allocates seven states to the North-West, while the North-East, North-Central, South-West, and South-South zones each possess six. The South-East stands as the sole region with five.
In his remarks to the press, Izunaso expressed his enthusiasm regarding this development.
The senator further remarked that it would be unjust for anyone to oppose the establishment of the proposed new state, cautioning that the South-East cannot persist as a minority in the regional hierarchy of the nation.
He indicated that the formation of the proposed ANIM State will adhere to the necessary constitutional procedures, including a referendum, and will not be enforced unilaterally.
"A state cannot be created by decree," he emphasized. "The populace must consent through a referendum. That is the essence of democracy. However, the South-East must not continue to be structurally disadvantaged."
Advocacy for Nnamdi Kanu
During his address, Izunaso also advocated for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who is presently undergoing trial on terrorism-related charges.
The senator from Imo also took the opportunity to reiterate calls for a political resolution to his extended detention.
He contended that a political solution could serve as a viable alternative to the ongoing legal proceedings.
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