The Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Youth Wing Worldwide after its 52nd Extraordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja said it is backing the proposed creation of an additional state for the South East region, saying such would go a long way in assuaging the people of the area who feel marginalised.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting on Thursday, the National Youth Leader of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said the clamour for the creation of the state in the region was proper
Okpalaezeukwu said they had after due consultations favoured the creation of Anioma state.
Okpalaezeukwu added that the Ohanaeze Youth wing believed the Anioma state had been favoured by most stakeholders because by most standards, including geographical delineations were the best for the proposed state.
He said, “The ongoing agitation for an additional State in the Southeast is not only commendable, but also timely and unavoidable, if Nigeria must be seen as a nation that believes in equity. We commend the various interest groups and legislators who have made varying recommendations on geographical delineation, name and composition of the proposed Sixth State in the Southeast.
“However, after extensive consultations, deliberations and investigations, we wish to urge every stakeholder who believes in the progress and development of Igbo land, to align themselves with the Anioma State project, as it remains the most viable, most equitable and most unifying option at this time.
“In that regard, we have set up a powerful lobby group to join forces with other like minds, to facilitate the actualization of this additional State in the South East, Anioma, by reaching out to other stakeholders across Nigeria.”