Ned Nwoko: Releasing Nnamdi Kanu, creating Anioma state will end south-east unrest

Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, says peace will continue to elude the south-east until the federal government addresses the region’s long-standing sense of marginalisation.

Speaking on ‘Sunday Politics’, a programme on Channels Television, Nwoko said the unrest in the region stems from “perceived injustice by successive governments”.

He said the creation of Anioma state and the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), would go a long way in resolving the crisis.

“The problem in the south-east has to do with perceived injustice by successive governments,” Nwoko said.

“So what needs to be done, and it’s one of the reasons I am here today, is the creation of a new state to make up the number to six, and then the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“By the time you do these two things, I am almost certain that peace will return to the south-east.”

The south-east currently has five states — one less than other geopolitical zones in the country.

The region has faced repeated security challenges over the years, largely linked to IPOB’s agitation for a separate Biafran nation.

‘KANU HELD UNJUSTLY’

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in June 2021. He is facing terrorism-related charges before the federal high court in Abuja.

Nwoko said the IPOB leader’s continued detention is unjust and has become one of the main triggers of instability in the region.

He added that a political resolution to the matter would help calm tensions and open the door for meaningful dialogue.

‘ANIOMA STATE BEST GIFT FOR IGBOS’

Nwoko, who is leading the campaign for the creation of Anioma state from the present Delta state said the process is progressing positively.

He said the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives on constitutional review has endorsed the idea of adding one more state to the south-east.

“Now, what has happened is that the national assembly has put together a committee to decide which state to choose. There are about seven states from the south-east, and we are one of them,” he said.

“At the public hearing in Enugu, we also presented our case, so I am almost certain that we will be chosen.”

The senator said he is confident that President Bola Tinubu will approve the new state if recommended by the committee, describing the potential creation as “the best gift” the president could offer to the Igbo people.