Chief Osita Chidoka, the former minister of aviation, disclosed that the lack of a sixth state, which he claimed would have greatly increased federal funding and local government revenue, has cost the Southeast an estimated N17.4 trillion over the previous 29 years.
Chidoka, the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, stated during the Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event that the startling number, after accounting for inflation and devaluation, underscored the region’s continuous economic and political exclusion, with significant consequences for representation, federal revenues, and governance.
He expressed sorrow that the absence of a sixth state, which would have brought in more federal funding and enlarged the Southeast’s economy, had resulted in large financial losses totaling 17.4 trillion Naira.
“The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the Southeast has lost over N17 trillion, which could have fueled economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly.
“This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses,” he stated.
Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) called on Southeast leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation.
He reminded the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps:
1. A formal request for the creation of a new state, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.
2. Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.
3. Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly.
4. Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.
“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses,” Chidoka added.
Chidoka further urged Southeast leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, and work together to secure the region’s future.
“We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The Southeast must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power.
“The call for action on creating the sixth state is a change in narrative and request for action on the Southeast leadership.
“Leaders in the region must now take the necessary steps to ensure the creation of the sixth state, reversing decades of underrepresentation and underdevelopment.
Speaking as well, Senator Ned Nwoko fervently argued for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, which would enlarge Igboland and add 9,000 square kilometers to the Southeast.
By establishing a new state that promotes greater unity and development, he emphasized the necessity for the Southeast to increase its geographical and political dominance.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, on his part, emphasized the political will needed to ensure the establishment of the Southeast’s sixth state.
In order to guarantee that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the impetus required for effective implementation, he urged the political leadership in the area to make a coordinated effort and show their commitment.
