By Prince-Solomon Okorie
The Director General of the United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide, His Lordship Justice Alpha Ikpeama, has commended Senators Onyekachi Nwebonyi and Ned Nwoko for their participatory roles in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. This commendation was contained in a communiqué issued after the two-day Zonal Public Hearing held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, from July 4th to 5th, 2025.
In the communiqué, Justice Ikpeama expressed gratitude to the dedicated members of UNIEC who travelled from the seven Igbo-speaking states—Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta, and Rivers—to participate in the constitutional review process.
He lauded the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, for extending attention to the Southeast and taking steps toward resolving the region’s longstanding issues of marginalisation—particularly in areas of state and local government creation. Justice Ikpeama urged Sen. Akpabio to also prioritize addressing the growing insecurity in the region before it escalates beyond control.
Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi was singled out for praise, with the UNIEC leader describing his leadership as exemplary during the peaceful two-day hearing. Since assuming office as the Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Nwebonyi has championed both national and regional interests, Justice Ikpeama noted, adding that posterity will remember him as a people-oriented leader.
In a related development, the Council made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the Southeast. According to UNIEC, such a move would strengthen the bond between the presidency and the Igbo nation.
On the matter of state creation, the group acknowledged the various agitations within Igboland but emphasized the need to give priority to the proposed Anioma State. This position was clarified by UNIEC’s National Director of Media and Publicity, Prof. Obasi Igwe, during a media briefing.
Prof. Igwe emphasized that UNIEC is a non-sectarian, non-denominational, and non-profit-making organization committed to promoting Igbo interests within the context of a united and equitable Nigeria. He disclosed that the Council was invited to the Senate Committee Public Hearing on state creation through the efforts of Senator Ned Nwoko, who has been at the forefront of the Anioma State advocacy.
According to Prof. Igwe, while UNIEC supports the creation of additional states in Igboland, the proposed Anioma State deserves priority to address long-standing marginalization of the Igbo-speaking people in Delta State by other ethnic groups such as the Urhobo, Itsekiri, and Ijaw.
“The creation of Anioma State will not only empower the Igbo population in Delta but also enhance equitable development across the region. It’s a win-win for both the proposed Anioma State and the remaining Delta State, potentially giving rise to two capital cities—Asaba and Warri—thus driving more development,” he explained.
He stressed that opposition to Anioma’s creation from within the Igbo fold is often rooted in personal interest rather than collective progress. “South-East and the Igbo Nation are not synonymous,” he said, urging unity across all Igbo-speaking regions in anticipation of possible national restructuring.
Highlighting the strategic value of Anioma State, Prof. Igwe noted that it aligns with the ongoing efforts to rotate the presidency of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to Rivers State, a move aimed at strengthening Igbo unity. He argued that Igbo cohesion is vital, particularly in the face of a potential national referendum or plebiscite on the nature of Nigeria’s federal structure.
“Creation of Anioma State is consistent with the long-term unity of the Igbo people. Opposition should be evaluated for its rationality, not just its loudness. Enlightened discourse—not rancour—should drive this process,” he said.
Prof. Igwe concluded by applauding Senator Ned Nwoko for his tireless efforts, noting that his leadership is a significant step toward repositioning the Igbo nation within Nigeria’s evolving political framework.
“The Igbos should rally behind Sen. Ned Nwoko. If Anioma State is created, it not only brings equity but also positions us better for future restructuring, especially considering that Rivers State—largely Igbo—already hosts the Ohanaeze President-General. This move represents a monumental stride towards Igbo unity.”
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