Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, has called for national consensus in support of the creation of ANIM State in the South East.

Kalu was received a delegation of leaders and stakeholders from Imo and Anambra states, who visited to express appreciation for his role in facilitating agreement among South East leaders on the proposed state, as part of the ongoing constitutional review.

Kalu said state creation should be seen as a tool for development and inclusive governance rather than a political ambition.

The Deputy Speaker noted that the South East remains the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with five states, while others have six. He urged promoters of the proposal to build support across other regions of the country to secure the required votes in the National Assembly.

Chairman of the ANIM State Creation Committee, Architect Ignatius Ifeanyi, expressed optimism that the long-standing demand for the state would soon be realised.

The Senator, representing Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, said federal lawmakers from the affected constituencies had already passed resolutions endorsing the proposal. He disclosed that the Imo State Government had begun developing infrastructure in Orlu, the proposed capital of the new state.