Following the National Assembly’s approval for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast geopolitical zone, the renowned activist and community leader, Prince Maduba Chukwudi Francis, popularly known as OluImo, has issued a stern warning to Senator Osita Izunaso, the lawmaker representing Imo West Senatorial District and chief sponsor of the ANIM State Creation Bill, urging him to exclude the Agwa clan from the proposed new state.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Owerri, OluImo expressed deep dissatisfaction over what he described as years of neglect and abandonment of the Agwa people by Senator Izunaso, insisting that the clan has not benefited from any developmental projects or representation since his election to the Senate.
“Senator Izunaso has abandoned Agwa for more than two years. He has not initiated a single project in our land nor shown any concern for our welfare. Such a person lacks the moral standing and conscience to include Agwa in his political agenda,” OluImo stated.
The activist emphasized that Agwa was never consulted before being allegedly mapped into the proposed ANIM State, describing the move as both unconstitutional and insensitive. He asserted that the people of Agwa reserve the right under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to determine which state they wish to belong to.
“Agwa has not been consulted, and we will not be dragged into any political arrangement without our consent. We have the right to decide our future, and we would rather remain in Imo State than be lumped into a territory led by our oppressors,” he said.
OluImo further cautioned Senator Izunaso against what he termed an attempt to “toy with the destiny of Agwa people,” warning that any forceful inclusion of the clan in the proposed state could spark serious resistance from the community.
“Senator Izunaso should stop playing with our future. His actions show disrespect to our people and their collective will. If he insists, he will be testing our patience,” OluImo warned.
The Agwa clan, located in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, has a long history of political assertiveness and community development efforts driven largely by local initiatives. With the renewed push for the creation of ANIM State, Agwa leaders and stakeholders appear united in rejecting any move that undermines their autonomy or identity.
As debates intensify around the proposed ANIM State, political observers note that the inclusion or exclusion of certain communities may further shape the political and ethnic dynamics within the Southeast region.
