Senator Ned Nwoko has urged the federal government to tackle the deep-rooted sense of exclusion felt by the South-East, saying true peace in the region will remain elusive until long-standing grievances are addressed.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, the Delta North lawmaker blamed years of political neglect and perceived injustice for the persistent unrest in the South-East.
According to Nwoko, the solution lies in two bold steps, creating Anioma State to balance Nigeria’s geopolitical structure and securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The South-East crisis is born out of neglect and injustice that have spanned successive administrations,” Nwoko said.
“Once a sixth state is created and Nnamdi Kanu is released, peace will return naturally. These are the two keys to healing the region.”
Currently, the South-East has only five states, one fewer than other geopolitical zones, a situation many in the region have long described structural inequality.
The area has also faced years of violent agitation and insecurity linked to IPOB’s separatist campaign.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, is standing trial for terrorism-related charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
His continued detention, Nwoko said, has deepened resentment and instability in the region.
“You can’t talk about peace when one of the region’s most influential figures is behind bars,” he said.
“The federal government must consider a political solution, not just for Kanu’s sake, but for the unity of the country.”
Nwoko, who is leading the campaign for the creation of Anioma State from Delta State, revealed that progress has been made in the constitutional review process.
He disclosed that the National Assembly’s joint committee on constitutional amendment has shown interest in the idea of creating one additional state in the South-East to bring it on par with other zones.
“The committee has received multiple proposals from the South-East, and Anioma is one of the top contenders,” Nwoko explained.
“We presented our case during the Enugu public hearing, and I’m optimistic that we will be selected.”
The senator expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would approve the creation of Anioma State if recommended by the committee, describing it as “the best gift” the president could give to the Igbo people.
“It would be a landmark decision, one that unites rather than divides,” Nwoko said. “Anioma State will not only balance the political equation but also give the Igbo people a renewed sense of belonging.”
Nwoko’s remarks come amid renewed calls for reconciliation and inclusion in Nigeria’s South-East, where insecurity and separatist movements continue to challenge national stability.