Igbo Youths Demand Creation of Aba, Etiti States Not Anioma
Onyekachi Nnabu
The World Igbo Youth Council (WIYC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to create additional Aba and Etiti states in the South East zone.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the body, Barr Chinguzo Onyekonwu, the Igbo Youths said the Creation of the two states would be a prerequisite for their support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.
According to Onyekonwu: “It is imperative to recognize that the Igbo people inhabit 774 Local Government Areas across Nigeria, encompassing a significant presence in the 19 Northern States”.
“This widespread distribution underscores the necessity for equitable representation in the political landscape of our great nation. The clamoring for a separate Anioma State is not rooted in the aspirations of the Southeast, but rather reflects the longstanding neglect of our brothers in the South-South region”.
“Therefore, our focus must be on the establishment of Aba and Etiti states, which are vital components of the Igbo identity and heritage.
The Spokesman noted that there was urgent need for President Tinubu to confront the systematic injustices inflicted upon the Igbo Nation.
“The historical context of our marginalization, which has persisted since the conclusion of the Biafra War in 1970, cannot and should not be ignored any longer”.
“It is high time for the current administration to take meaningful steps towards reparation for these grave injustices. The creation of Aba and Etiti states would not merely be a political concession; it would represent a sincere acknowledgment of the hardships endured by the Igbo people over decades”, he emphasized.
“The narrative suggesting that Anioma State could serve as the sixth state for the Southeast is steeped in falsehood and misrepresentation. Such misleading assertions aim to deceive the Igbo populace into acquiescence and complacency”.
“We reject this disingenuous attempt to paper over the very real grievances of our people. On the contrary, if President Tinubu is earnest in his commitment to justice and equity, then he must align his policies with the authentic aspirations of the Igbo youth, which call for the appropriate recognition of our socio-political rights through the establishment of Aba and Etiti states”.
The Youth body reiterated their support to any initiative that genuinely seeks to empower the Igbo Nation, but this support is contingent upon tangible actions that reflect their need for proper representation and justice.
