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BREAKING: Ohanaeze Requests for Additional State in the South-East
BREAKING: Ohanaeze Requests for Additional State in the South-East
By Anthony Beauty
Owerri, Nigeria – In a bold move, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, has formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for the creation of a new state in the Southeast region to rectify the longstanding issue of inequality. Ohanaeze’s President-General, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, tabled this demand during a press briefing in Owerri, stressing that if the Federal Government fails to respond positively, they would pursue legal action to interpret Nigeria’s constitution accurately.
The crux of Ohanaeze’s request lies in the perceived injustice stemming from the Southeast’s limited representation and the evident disregard for the principle of Federal Character in recent appointments to the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Out of 48 appointments made, only five ministers were chosen from the Southeast, a significant underrepresentation.
Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, while addressing the issue, stated, “Ohaneze-Ndigbo stands for equity and justice. Ohaneze-Ndigbo believes that equity and justice are fundamental prerequisites for an enduring harmonious relationship in a country such as Nigeria with many diversities.”
The Southeast has historically had only five states, while other regions have a minimum of six or seven. This disparity has repercussions, as many appointments and resource allocations are based on the equality of states. This inequality has not only led to a lack of political representation but also financial losses over the past three decades.
Iwuanyanwu emphasized, “For the avoidance of doubt, Southeast is committed to the peace, progress, and development of all parts of Nigeria; we, therefore, appeal to the President and the National Assembly to look into our case and ensure that the National Executive Council is adjusted to reflect the Federal Character.”
This appeal comes in the wake of ongoing debates surrounding the creation of more states in Nigeria. Particularly, during the era of former President Goodluck Jonathan, discussions seemed to favor the South-East, as it is the only geopolitical zone with five states, unlike others with at least six each. There were even discussions of establishing an “Anioma State” for the Igbo-speaking communities in present-day Delta and Edo States.
However, the political will to effect these changes has been lacking, even during President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term. Notably, various ethnic groups across Nigeria are also advocating for the creation of new states to ensure a more equitable sense of belonging and representation.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s formal request for a new state in the Southeast marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of regional imbalance and unequal representation within the Nigerian political landscape. The ball is now in the court of the Federal Government and the National Assembly, and the response to this appeal will undoubtedly shape the future of Nigeria’s quest for fairness and justice.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
A tragic road accident involving Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua has reportedly claimed two lives in Ogun State, sparking concern across the country.
The incident occurred on Monday around the Makun axis of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle conveying the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a collision with another car, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emeraina.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emerging.
Sources close to the development said Joshua survived the accident, but officials are yet to release a comprehensive statement on his condition or the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the collision, as motorists were advised to exercise caution while plying the expressway.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has long been notorious for road accidents, often linked to speeding, congestion, and poor visibility, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures.
By: Doubra Stanley
ABUJA, Nigeria – December 26, 2025
The United States military launched coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, confirming a significant escalation in international counter-terrorism cooperation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, saying U.S. forces had carried out “powerful and deadly” strikes against militants linked to Islamic State in Sokoto State.
According to official statements, the strikes were ordered at the direction of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief and carried out with the support of Nigerian authorities, CBS News reported.
The U.S. Department of War released video footage showing munitions being launched toward militant positions, underscoring Washington’s commitment to confronting extremist groups in West Africa. U.S. Africa Command, which oversees American military operations on the continent, said the initial assessment pointed to the death of several ISIS fighters, Fox News reported.
In a social media post, President Trump framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to halt attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where extremist violence has surged.
Nigerian officials described the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation, emphasizing shared intelligence and strategic planning to counter persistent threats from extremist factions.
The operation marks one of the most visible U.S. military actions in Nigeria in 2025, reflecting deepening ties between Abuja and Washington in addressing the complex security landscape marked by Islamist insurgencies and criminal violence. Nigerian authorities reiterated that the fight against terrorism transcends religious lines, stressing that violent groups have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities in recent years, Reuters added.
Security analysts say the strikes may signal further foreign involvement in countering extremist networks in the region, even as Nigerian forces continue domestic operations against multiple militant groups.
© IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
IduwiniVoice