Eze John Nwosu (Idinoba Ojiudo), the traditional ruler of Isiokwu-Ihioma in Orlu Council, Imo State, has expressed strong support for the creation of the proposed ANIM State, describing it as more widely accepted than any other proposed state in the South East. He emphasised that ANIM State represents a merger of council areas from both Anambra and Imo states, rather than a division, giving the region a fresh opportunity to address political marginalisation.
Speaking at a press conference at his Idinoba Palace on Tuesday, Nwosu, a former sole administrator of old Orlu Council and former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, Delta, Ekiti and Osun states, said the proposed state enjoys broad support across the South East.
“We are hopeful that it will be approved by both chambers of the National Assembly and by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. At least, the South East will have six states,” he said, noting that the creation of ANIM State will help redress the region’s loss in representation and political appointments.
The monarch also commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his developmental achievements in Orlu Zone, particularly in the area of road infrastructure, which he said had long been neglected.
Recalling his tenure as chairman of Orlu Local Government, Nwosu shared a story of Governor Amadi Ikwechegh’s visit to the area in 1988: “The only thing I could show him was the colonial high court building. He sighed and said, ‘so Orlu is just a one-street city.’ Orlu remained so for 40 years before receiving the Midas touch from Governor Uzodimma.”
He acknowledged efforts by past administrations, particularly Achike Udenwa’s, which advanced the zone with projects like the international market and stadium, but noted that subsequent governments failed to maintain momentum.
According to Nwosu, Governor Uzodimma has transformed Orlu through the construction of a modern, visible road network, enhancing the area’s outlook. He highlighted projects including the Owerri-Orlu Road, Orlu-Akokwa Road, Orlu-Mgbidi Road, and the Orlu-Amaifeke-Ihioma-Ihiala Road, the latter still requiring urgent completion.
He also praised educational development in the zone, pointing to the establishment of high institutions at Ogboko and Omuma as evidence of the governor’s commitment to improving Orlu’s socio-economic landscape.
“The promise shown by these institutions attests to the effort of a governor determined to close the era of ‘Obodo nile emepechana’ and reposition Orlu for progress,” he said.
