Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has joined calls for the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s Southeast region, saying it is necessary to ensure equity and fairness in the country’s political structure.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, Udenwa said the Southeast has been at a disadvantage compared to other geopolitical zones that have six states each, while the Northwest enjoys seven. He stressed that this imbalance has deprived the region of several political and economic benefits.

“This is a very topical issue that has been discussed for a long time. Every other zone in the country has six states, and the Northwest has seven. The Southeast has lost quite a lot in terms of benefits accorded to it, including the loss of three senatorial seats and its share of federal revenue and other opportunities,” he said.

His statement comes after the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on the Constitution approved the creation of an additional state in the Southeast to address the region’s long-standing feeling of marginalisation. Udenwa praised the development, describing it as a step toward national fairness and inclusion.

The former governor urged the National Assembly to ensure the process is concluded swiftly, emphasizing that the demand for another state in the Southeast is not political but a matter of equity, justice, and balance in the federation.