Establishing Anioma State is a long-overdue imperative, not a politically motivated move, according to Igbo senior leaders

The United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC Worldwide, views the creation of Anioma State as a necessity rooted in history, rather than a mere political convenience, emphasizing that it serves as a litmus test for Nigeria's commitment to justice, equity, and true federalism.

This stance is underscored in a statement issued by UNIEC, signed by its Director General, His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, and National Director, Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, titled “Anioma State is a test of justice, a moment for history”, highlighting Nigeria's position at the threshold of a pivotal national decision.

The renewed push for Anioma State's creation, led by Godswill Akpabio and driven by Senator Ned Nwoko with clarity, is seen not merely as a constitutional exercise but as a moment of truth for the nation's sincerity about justice and federalism.

UNIEC emphasizes that the creation of Anioma State is a historical necessity, not a political convenience, as it addresses the longstanding structural arrangement that has failed to reflect the identity of the Anioma people or serve their developmental aspirations.

The call for a distinct federating unit by the Anioma people is rooted in dignity and inclusion, rather than division or exclusion, and ignoring this demand would perpetuate injustice.

Beyond the political and moral imperative, the endorsement of Anioma State by the National Assembly, with significant senatorial backing, signals a national awakening and a capacity to correct structural imbalances.

The administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is urged to rise to the challenge of this moment, as history will remember courage or the lack thereof, and not procedural delays.

Nigeria's path to stability and unity lies in embracing fairness and institutionalizing equity, with the creation of Anioma State presenting a significant opportunity for this.

The proposed designation of Asaba as the capital of Anioma State and Warri as the capital of a restructured Delta State is seen as both strategic and symbolic, representing balance rather than division.

Asaba is recognized as the cultural and political heartbeat of the Anioma people, while Warri represents capacity and industrial and economic hub, making them symbols of coexisting identity and efficiency.

UNIEC warns against the dangers of delay in creating Anioma State, citing Nigeria's history of acknowledging legitimate demands only to stall them in committees and bureaucratic inertia.

The constitutional process must be followed with transparency, consultation, and legality, but also with urgency, as every delay deepens distrust and reinforces perceptions of unequal recognition among regions.

The creation of Anioma State is a defining choice for Nigeria, one that transcends regional boundaries and speaks to the nation's readiness to evolve into a federation that works for all its people.

This moment is about whether Nigeria will act with justice or retreat into hesitation, with the National Assembly having taken a bold step and the world watching.

The creation of Anioma State is not a favor but a right long overdue, and denying it would deny the principles of a just federation, while granting it would demonstrate Nigeria's capacity for fairness, courage, and historic redemption.