Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has said that the creation of Anioma State and the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, would bring lasting peace to the Southeast region of Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme monitored by DAILY POST, Nwoko explained that years of unrest in the Southeast stem from the region’s long-standing sense of marginalisation by successive governments.

He noted that addressing these grievances through fair representation and justice is key to ending the ongoing agitations.

“The problem in the Southeast has to do with the 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 Southeast.”

The lawmaker argued that the creation of Anioma State would balance Nigeria’s geopolitical structure, as the Southeast currently has only five states, unlike other regions with six or more. He also emphasised that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, would calm tensions and open the door to reconciliation.

Over the years, the Southeast has experienced frequent disruptions linked to separatist agitations and security challenges. Nwoko’s proposal, therefore, seeks to blend political restructuring with dialogue to address the root causes of the crisis.

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to advocating policies that promote unity, justice, and inclusion, noting that peace in the Southeast is vital for Nigeria’s overall stability and development.