By Clement Odum
For decades, the clamour for fairness in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure echoed like a persistent drumbeat from the South East. Generation after generation, political leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens of the region cried out for one thing — equity. While other zones had six or seven states, the South East stood alone with five, the least among all.
Now, that long wait may be nearing an end.
Last week, in what many have described as a historic moment, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the South East geopolitical zone. The decision, taken during a two-day retreat in Lagos, marks the first concrete legislative step toward correcting what many consider one of Nigeria’s deepest structural imbalances.
The retreat, chaired by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, brought together lawmakers from across the country to deliberate on 55 proposals for state creation.
But it was the South East’s turn that drew the loudest applause.
“A victory for equity, not politics”
“This decision is not just about geography,” said Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, visibly moved as the committee concluded deliberations. “It is about justice, inclusion, and the recognition that no part of this country should feel shortchanged in the federation.”
Kalu, who has for years championed the demand for a sixth state in the South East, emphasized that the decision transcends political lines. “This is a victory for Nigeria’s conscience,” he added.
The session ended with a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State). In a rare show of unity, members across the geopolitical divides rose in support — a symbolic gesture that spoke volumes about the new mood in Nigeria’s legislature.
An old wound, long ignored
To many observers, the imbalance has always been a sore point. The South East, home to vibrant economic activity and rich cultural heritage, has only five states — Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo — while zones like the North-West and North-Central boast seven and six respectively.
The implications have been far-reaching: fewer senators, fewer House members, smaller federal allocations, and limited representation in national decision-making.
“Every census, every election, every national budget reminds us that our region is shortchanged,” lamented Chief Nnamdi Okeke, a political historian from Enugu. “This is not just about pride; it’s about an equal voice in the federation.”
For many in the region, the committee’s approval offers a long-awaited ray of hope.
A cautious optimism
Still, the road ahead is long. The motion must now scale through the full National Assembly, secure approval from two-thirds of state assemblies, and finally receive presidential assent.
Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, was quick to caution against complacency. “We have taken the first step,” he told reporters. “But we must now rally our colleagues across both chambers and the state assemblies. This is about national balance, not sectional gain.”
To this end, the committee also set up a subcommittee to review 278 other proposals for state and local government creation nationwide — an indication that constitutional reform remains a complex, ongoing national dialogue.
Beyond statehood: a question of inclusion
For citizens in the South East, however, the issue goes beyond administrative boundaries. It touches on a deep psychological and political yearning for belonging.
Mrs. Ngozi Eke, a teacher from Abia, put it poignantly: “It’s not just a new state we want; it’s to feel that we matter equally in this country. For years, our children have asked why other regions have more voice. Now, maybe we can finally say Nigeria heard us.”
Rewriting the story of federalism
Political analysts say the development could reshape the national conversation around fairness and unity.
“This is not just a South East story,” observed Dr. Kayode Olatunji, a constitutional scholar at the University of Lagos. “It is about restoring confidence in the federation. When citizens see that the constitution can correct injustices peacefully, democracy gains strength.”
He added that the approval might inspire other regions to renew their push for local development, autonomy, and identity within the Nigerian union — but through dialogue, not confrontation.
A historic moment in the making
As night fell over the Lagos retreat hall where the decision was sealed, the mood was hopeful. Lawmakers from different regions shook hands, some exchanging quiet congratulations. It was a rare moment of unity — one that seemed to transcend party and tribe.
By the time the motion was adopted, many lawmakers agreed that something had shifted — not just on paper, but in spirit.
For a country long divided by mistrust and marginalization, the decision to grant the South East a sixth state might just be a small step — but symbolically, it could be one of the biggest yet toward healing the Nigerian federation.
“It’s not just a new state we want; it’s to feel that we matter equally in this country.” — Ngozi Eke, Abia resident