Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and former Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka, has revealed that the South East region has lost an estimated N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years due to the absence of a sixth state. This financial loss, driven by the lack of additional federal allocations and local government revenue, highlights the region’s ongoing economic and political marginalisation.
Speaking at the Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event on December 13, 2024, Chidoka emphasized the profound impact this financial loss has had on the region’s development, political representation, and governance. According to a statement by his media aide, Ikechukwu Okafor, Chidoka stated that the absence of a sixth state has hindered the Southeast’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and political influence in the National Assembly.
“The lack of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight; it is a direct financial loss. Over the last 29 years, we have lost over N17 trillion, which could have been used to fuel economic progress and enhance political representation,” Chidoka said. “This loss is unsustainable, and it’s time for us to unite and take steps to stop this ongoing deprivation.”
As a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Chidoka urged Southeast leaders to come together and follow the constitutional process for state creation. Referring to Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, he outlined the steps for creating a new state, including gaining support from local governments, securing approval through a referendum, and obtaining legislative backing in both state and national assemblies.
“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state. This is the only way to halt the financial and political losses,” Chidoka added. He stressed the importance of Southeast leaders playing national politics, setting aside internal divisions to ensure the region’s equitable representation and development.
Senator Ned Nwoko also addressed the event, advocating for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, which would contribute an additional 9,000 square kilometres to the Southeast. He emphasized the need for strengthening the region’s territorial and political influence.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, also spoke, urging political leaders to demonstrate the will required to secure the creation of the sixth state. He called for concerted efforts and commitment to ensure that the demand for the new state is prioritized and implemented successfully.
Chidoka’s call to action signals a shift in the Southeast leadership’s approach, urging them to take the necessary steps to reverse years of underrepresentation and underdevelopment by pushing for the creation of the sixth state.
