Former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani, has cautioned the Igbo nation against any actions or utterances that could threaten the peaceful coexistence of Nigeria over the agitation for the creation of additional states in the South East, saying they should rather apply wisdom in their demand.

Reacting to calls by some groups in the South East that the region must be given another state to address perceived marginalization, Sani questioned the wisdom behind such threats, especially when tied to the demand for the unconditional release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“When the Igbo say that unless Nnamdi Kanu is released unconditionally and one state is added to the South East because they are marginalized, I wonder the wisdom.”

Sani argued that the South East has produced top political and public office holders in the country, including a president, vice president, senate presidents, speaker of the House of Representatives, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), coordinating minister of the economy, Central Bank governor, service chiefs and even a national chairman of the ruling party.

“The Igbo should note that many ethnic groups have not produced even a minister, yet they do not threaten the nation. Even the Hausas have produced only one head of state, General Murtala Muhammed, who ruled for only six months — the same duration as General Ironsi — and both suffered the same fate.”

Sani maintained that the call for an additional state in the South East, on the basis of equality alone, without considering other criteria, does not reflect sound reasoning.

“When the South East hankers for one additional state on the basis of equality in blithe disregard for any criteria, one wonders the wisdom, especially when regard is paid to the fact that injustice is not only when equals are treated equally, but also when unequals are treated equally.”

He explained that the historical evolution of Nigeria’s regions and states has always considered various factors such as population, landmass, and administrative convenience.

“That may explain why the former Mid-Western Region has only two states, the former Western Region has six states, while the former Eastern Region has nine states,” he noted.

Sani emphasized that Nigeria does not necessarily need additional states, arguing that the focus should rather be on good governance, equitable development, and judicious use of existing resources.

“In any case, Nigeria does not need additional states. What the country needs is effective leadership, prudent management of resources, and a sense of belonging for all,” he concluded. (The Sun)