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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.