Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, has disclosed that the South East region has incurred an estimated financial loss of N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years due to the absence of a sixth state in the region.
Chidoka explained that this significant loss affects federal allocations and local government revenues, which could have been used for the region’s development.
He made these remarks during an event hosted by the Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers), as shared in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Ikechukwu Okafor.
The former minister emphasized that the figure, adjusted for inflation and currency devaluation, underscores the ongoing economic and political marginalization of the region.
He said, “The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not merely a political lapse but a direct financial setback. Over the last 29 years, the Southeast has lost over N17 trillion, which could have powered economic growth, boosted infrastructure, and enhanced political representation.”
Chidoka further urged South East leaders to unite and initiate the process of state creation, as outlined in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
This process includes securing support from local government councils, state assemblies, and the National Assembly, with final approval through a referendum and votes from both chambers of the National Assembly.
“The time has come for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state. This is the only way to halt the financial and political losses we continue to endure,” Chidoka added.
He called on Southeast leaders to put aside internal divisions and collaborate on national issues to secure a better future for the region.
“Instead of lamenting over the absence of the sixth state, we must focus on what is needed to make it a reality. We must demand equitable representation, resources, and political power for our region,” he concluded.
