The people of Agwa in the Oguta local government area of Imo state have rejected the idea of being carved into a new Anim state in the southeast region following ongoing talks on constitutional amendments in the nation.
On Tuesday, the community submitted a petition addressed to the National Assembly Commission on reviewing the 1999 constitution under the aegis of the Agwa Central Union, stating that the Agwa people were not ready to join any new state. However, they support the creation of a new state in the southeast region for equity’s sake.
The proposed new Anambra state, carved out from Imo state and Abia state, includes the territory of the Agwa people in Oguta LGA, prompting their petition of refusal.
The Agwa Central Union, led by Benson Akunya, refused the new state proposal on the grounds of geographical contiguity, cultural affinity, and educational and ecclesiastical affiliations.
They pointed out that Agwa was part of the Owerri County Council, constituting present-day Owerri West, Owerri North, and Owerri Municipal LGA. The community was also the only native court area in the Uratta Council county not carved into a local government. The Union pointed out these grievances while seeking a quick redress.
The petition to the national assembly committee on the 1999 constitution reads in parts.
“We strongly oppose any attempt to cede any part of Agwa or its entirety to any proposed new state, whether it is Anim, Orashi, or Orlu, other than the present Imo State with Owerri as its capital.
We want our local government under the Agwa Local Government Area to enable us to reunite with our kith and kin in the old Uratta County Council of Imo State.
“The Right of Self Determination is an inalienable right of peoples guaranteed by the United Nations Conventions/Treaties, and as such, we have determined where to belong and not anywhere else.”
The Southeast, Nigeria’s smallest geopolitical zone with five states, faces ongoing demands for an additional state to address perceived marginalisation and ensure equity with other regions. Other Geopolitical zones in the country have six or seven states, one or more states than the region, hence the growing call for an additional state.
State creation Proposals like the Anioma, Anim, Adada, Orlu, and Etiti states reveal ongoing debates on the issue, with economic viability, population, and cultural identity taking centre stage.
Advocates for state creation argue it would enhance representation and development, while critics, including IPOB, prefer a referendum.
