Why Ndigbo Should Avert Distractions and Embrace the Creation of Orlu State

Why Ndigbo Should Avert Distractions and Embrace the Creation of Orlu State

- Emeka Esogbue

As history beckons close on Ndigbo to own a sixth state in the Southeast Geo-Political Zone, the people must avert the temptations of disunity and other characteristics of distractions to ensure that the dream is realized. 

On its part, the National Assembly, should also expedite actions to see to the birth of this state. Already, Orlu State has been proposed, a move in the right direction for the people.

Following years of advocacy to raise the Southeast's state count from five to six, Imo State's Ideato North South Federal Constituency representative, Hon. Michael Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, presented a measure that aims to satisfy the region's decent people's desire.

Specifically, Ugochinyere is requesting that the current states of Anambra, Imo, and Abia be divided into a new state, with Orlu serving as the capital.

Although no civilian government has been able to establish a state in the nation, it appears that President Bola Tinubu and the 10th Assembly are prepared to take the bull by the horns. 

The proposed Orlu State appears to fulfil the demand for the creation. There are currently 12 local government units in the Orlu Zone, which according to reports is larger than about eight states combined. Orlu is also an oil producing area. 

Although certain influential members of the state, such Senator Osita Izunaso and Congressman Sam Ike of the United Eastern Region Congress, have stated that they support the state's formation, more needs to be done on the part of the populace to guarantee that Orlu becomes the sixth state in the region.

Thankfully, the Imo Trumpeter has taken the initiative to ensure this in its piece headlined "Creation of Orlu State in Imo State Resurrects". 

The paper in the article wrote, "Finally, recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Orlu area, the new state will foster and preserve its unique heritage and traditions."

As things stand, the people must concentrate on Orlu and stay away from the diversions and elements of discord that are already beginning to appear from many angles. 

Arguments against Orlu have begun to give the local aspiration new dimensions. 

The Umunze community has rejected being included in the projected Orlu State, according to an article published in the Vanguard Newspaper on June 11, 2024. The article written by Anayo Okoli quoted the people as saying that they were comfortable and proud to remain in Anambra State.

On June 12, 2024, The Guardian Newspaper published a story about another rejection, in which the Isuochi in Abia State categorically rejected the proposed Orlu State and preferred Etiti State. 

According to the newspaper report, the Isuochi community insists on Etiti State, which they claimed was agreed at the National Confab of 2005 and 2014 by the delegates. 

In order to balance the Southeast Region, Hon. Ned Nwoko, the Senator from the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, proposed the creation of Anioma State, which is currently part of Delta State. However, various members of the region disagreed with this suggestion.

Dr. Anthony Nwaezeigwe, a historian and researcher from Anioma, denounced the Hon. Ned Nwoko's plan in a published article. He questioned the rationale behind Hon. Nwoko's proposal, stating that Anioma is a multilingual and multiethnic population that encompasses the Igbo, Edo, Yoruba, Igala, and Isoko ethnic groups.

Renowned critic and analyst Frank Ofili also weighed in on the discussion. He claimed to be surprised that Anioma would be assigned a Southeast region classification by Senator Ned Nwoko. 

"If Ned (Nwoko) succeeds in taking us to the Southeast, then we can forget about our aspirations as a people."

"If Anioma State cannot be created as we are today, then let us remain the way we are."

Many more people support the establishment of Anioma State, although they prefer that it be situated in the South-South region.

Compared to other proposals, the historical significance and location of the proposed Orlu State seem more advantageous to the Southeast Region. Within the proposed state, there are a fair number of local government areas; in fact, larger than Anioma in Delta State. It is situated in the region, has an oil resource, and a population that shares historical and cultural traits with the rest of the Southeast.

With the Orlu State bill having passed the first reading, the people of the Southeast must stand firm and remain focused to welcome their long term dream and aspiration of matching the number of states in other zones. At all costs, the suggestion from other states must be avoided as a diversion. Even while the arguments initially sound plausible, they may ultimately become fictitious, upsetting the long-standing desire.

Based on the legislative tone previously established, Orlu State continues to be the best option. The state when created, will have boundaries with Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Abia states.