Create Aba state to end south-east marginalisation, APC chieftain urges FG

Paul Ikonne, former executive secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), has urged the federal government to create Aba state to address the age-long marginalisation of the south-east.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Chiagoziem Enoch, his media aide, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain faulted Alex Otti, governor of Abia, for what he described as an “ambiguous” position on the issue during the south-east zonal public hearing on the 1999 Constitution review held in Owerri, the Imo state capital, on July 19.

Ikonne commended Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, for his support for the proposed state, describing it as a “principled stand” that reflects the views of well-meaning Nigerians across the country.

While Uzodimma publicly backed the creation of Aba state, Otti had said Nigeria does not need more states, as the existing ones are already financially unviable.

“But for those who know the Abia governor, that occasion afforded him the golden opportunity to express his deep resentment and vendetta against a section of Abia who must not be allowed the casual luxury of an innocuous boast of being the indigenes of Aba,” the statement reads.

He alleged that Otti has always been uncomfortable with Aba’s geographical location.

“Seeing that he lacks the power to undo what God has done in His eternal plans, he has resorted to other nebulous ways to express his frustration,” he added.

Ikonne said Otti’s comments at the constitution review hearing were reminiscent of a controversial remark the governor made shortly after taking office, when he described Aba as “no man’s land”.

“Many wondered why he had to do that, considering that Aba has always been known to be at peace with its residents, not minding who is an indigene and who is not,” he said.

He accused Otti of making a “dubious and infantile” attempt to downplay the economic viability of a proposed Aba state.

“The governor deliberately forgot that the finite nature of natural resources has made proactive administrators to redirect their focus to knowledge-based economies,” Ikonne said.

He cited countries such as Finland, Israel, Singapore, and the Netherlands as examples of nations that have thrived without relying heavily on natural resources.

He argued that Aba’s economic potential lies in its people and innovative spirit, which he said has long been the engine of entrepreneurship and industry in the south-east.

Ikonne said creating a new state would also help address the imbalance in Nigeria’s political structure, where the south-east has only five states compared to six or more in other regions.

He noted that this has led to unequal representation in the senate, federal appointments, and revenue allocation, which fuels discontent and agitation among the Igbo.

“The clear marginalisation of Ndi Igbo has continually provided the canvas upon which the agitation for a sovereign nation for Ndi Igbo has rested,” he said.

He warned that failure to address this imbalance could heighten separatist sentiments in the region.

“It is worrisome that Governor Otti, who should be at the frontline with the likes of Senator Uzodimma in leading the agitation for the creation of an additional state, is the one leading the gang to frustrate the actualisation of an additional state for the south-east,” he said.

Ikonne urged the federal government to heed the call for Aba state, saying the proposal has met all the constitutional requirements and enjoys wide support.

He also called on south-eastern leaders and stakeholders to rally behind Uzodimma in advocating for the new state.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, Abians will not relent in demanding for an additional state as it is sine qua non to peace and justice in the Federation,” he said.