Otu Oka-Iwu Advocates For Creation Of New State For Ndi Igbo To Strengthen Igbo Unity
The prestigious 2024 Otu Oka-Iwu Week, held at the NBA House in Abuja, concluded with a resounding call for the creation of a sixth state in Nigeria’s South East region as a vital step toward strengthening Igbo unity and addressing historical imbalances.
Themed “Strengthening Igbo Unity: The Quest for the Creation of a New State in the South East,” the event featured a keynote speaker, three panelists, and a moderator who examined the socio-political and economic implications of this pressing issue.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the event, Otu Oka-Iwu, an organization uniting legal practitioners of Igbo origin, outlined critical observations and actionable recommendations to advance the cause.
The gathering noted that the theme of the event was timely, addressing two essential pillars for Igbo progress: unity and equitable representation. Participants emphasized that the quest for a new state in the South East is not just a political aspiration but a pursuit of justice, fairness, and balanced development.
It was observed that the absence of a sixth state has resulted in an estimated ₦17.4 trillion in financial losses for Ndi Igbo, stemming from diminished federal allocations, reduced local government revenues, and limited political representation.
Highlighting historical efforts, the communiqué referenced the 1999 Constitutional/Political Reform Conference, where proposals such as six geopolitical zones and rotational presidency were made but not fully implemented. A more recent effort by a National Assembly committee to amend the constitution, including provisions for state creation, was also discussed.
One significant suggestion during the seminar was the creation of Anioma State, comprising oil-producing regions in Delta State. This would not only increase resources and infrastructure for Ndi Igbo but also address issues of inclusivity and equity in the country’s governance structure.
The communiqué urged Igbo leaders and stakeholders to unite and pursue the creation of a sixth state through constitutional means as provided in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. It stressed the importance of proactive political engagement, with a call for Ndi Igbo to rise above internal divisions and avoid adopting a “victim mentality.”
In addition, participants were encouraged to focus on economic integration within the South East, building regional infrastructure, and transforming the zone into an economic powerhouse akin to the South-West. This, they argued, would enhance Igbo political influence and economic strength on the national stage.
The organization also called on Igbo legal practitioners to support Otu Oka-Iwu in advancing the welfare of both the legal community and the broader Igbo society.
The communiqué emphasised that debates about the location of the proposed state should not divide the Igbo community. Instead, the focus should remain on achieving the broader goal of equitable representation and fair resource allocation for the South East.
Participants highlighted the resilience of the Igbo people, pointing to the region’s low poverty levels despite limited natural resources. The Igbo apprenticeship model was praised as a blueprint for economic empowerment, with calls for other ethnic groups to emulate this practice.
The 2024 Otu Oka-Iwu Week concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing Igbo unity and securing equitable representation for the South East. The President General of Otu Oka-Iwu, Chidiebere N. Udekwe, and Secretary Ogechukwu M. Okafor, who signed the communiqué, reiterated the organization’s dedication to fostering unity and equity among Ndi Igbo.
The call for a new state aligns with broader efforts to promote justice, fairness, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s governance structure, ensuring that the Igbo people have a stronger voice in the nation’s political and economic affairs.
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