Owerri, Nigeria – Prince Paul Ikonne has commended Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for his unwavering support for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, describing the governor’s position as a bold step toward addressing long-standing political imbalance in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his media aide, Chiagoziem Enoch, Ikonne said Governor Uzodinma’s principled stand reflects the sentiments of many well-meaning Nigerians and Igbos across the country who have consistently decried the structural inequality suffered by the South-East. He cited, for example, the zone’s current allocation of 15 senators, compared to the 18 to 21 enjoyed by other regions, which he argued translates to reduced federal representation, fewer resources, and diminished influence in national affairs.
Ikonne, a prominent voice from Abia State, criticized Governor Alex Otti for what he called an “ambiguous and disappointing” stance during the recent 1999 Constitution Review hearing held in Owerri on July 19. According to him, the hearing presented a critical opportunity for Governor Otti to align with regional leaders in pushing for equity, but instead, he chose to remain non-committal on the matter.
“For those who know the Abia governor well, that occasion only exposed his long-standing discomfort with a particular section of Abia State,” the statement read. “Governor Otti has consistently shown a deep-seated resentment toward the people of Aba, which seems to stem from the fact that he cannot change the historical and geographical realities of the city’s location.”
Ikonne alleged that upon assuming office, Governor Otti made a divisive declaration in Aba, referring to it as a “no man’s land,” a remark he said was capable of igniting unnecessary tensions between indigenes and residents. “That unfortunate statement was a needless provocation in a city known for its peace and unity,” Ikonne said. “Thankfully, the resilient Aba spirit overcame what could have been a dangerous narrative.”
The Crown Prince also took issue with Otti’s reported claim that the creation of Aba State was not economically viable. He challenged Otti’s credibility as an economist, insisting that the future lies in a knowledge-driven economy, not just natural resources. Ikonne pointed to countries like Finland, Israel, Singapore, and the Netherlands as examples of nations that have successfully built prosperous societies by focusing on innovation and education.
“The argument that the new state would be dependent on federal handouts is not only defeatist but also outdated,” Ikonne said. “Aba, known for its industrious people and entrepreneurial spirit, has all it takes to thrive in a 21st-century economy.”
He further argued that the marginalization of the South-East has fueled separatist agitations and that the creation of a new state would help address the region’s underrepresentation, giving Igbos a greater sense of inclusion in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that Governor Otti, who should be championing the cause of state creation, appears to be at the forefront of efforts to derail it,” Ikonne said. “His stance does not reflect the collective will of Abians, who remain united in the demand for the creation of Aba State.”
Prince Ikonne concluded by urging Igbos across the region to rally behind Governor Uzodinma and other leaders who have shown commitment to the cause, emphasizing that the agitation for an additional state has met all constitutional requirements and now only awaits final declaration.
“The dream of our fathers must not be abandoned,” he said. “Creating Aba State is a matter of justice, peace, and national balance, and Abians will not relent in pursuing it.”
