New State Creations :Senator Osita Izunaso Deserves Commendation not Ogbako Ohaji Alleged Aspersions
By Anselem Anokwute in Owerri
The recent criticisms directed at Senator Osita Bonaventure Izunaso by certain leaders of the Ohaji Clan over the state creation public hearings are not only unfortunate but also fail to accurately reflect the Senator’s actions, intentions, and constitutional responsibilities.
Contrary to the allegations made by Chief Johnbosco Ben and other members of the Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum, Senator Izunaso acted well within the framework of due legislative process and in the best interest of his constituents—including the people of Ohaji. His decision to intervene during the public hearings in Enugu and Owerri was not motivated by contempt, as has been wrongly insinuated, but by a commitment to order, proper legislative procedure, and unity in representation.
Senator Izunaso rightly pointed out that the stage of the constitutional amendment process related to state creation has not yet reached the point where individuals or local groups should be lobbying for exclusion or inclusion in any proposed state. It is the responsibility of elected representatives, through formal channels and evidence-based consensus, to represent such views at the appropriate stage. By asking Ohaji elders to present their position in writing, he was offering a path that aligns with legislative norms and ensures that their views are captured in a more structured, effective, and lasting manner.
Publicly allowing various groups to oppose or endorse inclusion in proposed states during the early stages of national constitutional dialogue risks triggering unnecessary divisions and conflict. Senator Izunaso’s measured stance is, therefore, a precaution to maintain unity and avoid a scenario where communities begin to clash or take entrenched positions without understanding the full implications of the proposals under consideration.
Senator Izunaso made a valid and strategic point by highlighting that it would be unwise to cede all oil-producing local governments in Imo State to a proposed new state. Ohaji-Egbema, as a resource-rich area, is crucial to the economic stability of Imo State. Any move affecting its status must be approached with caution, extensive dialogue, and a strategic vision—not through spontaneous declarations at public hearings. The Senator’s position ensures that Ohaji’s interests are not bargained away hastily.
Far from sidelining the Ohaji people, Senator Izunaso extended an open invitation to them to present their case formally, ensuring it becomes part of the Senate deliberations. This shows his willingness to carry his constituents along, not dismiss them. Written positions offer clarity, accountability, and permanency, which off-the-cuff public speeches cannot or open protest against the good, effective and pragmatic leadership of the Ace Senator.
Senator Izunaso, a respected lawmaker with years of experience and a track record of defending minority interests, could not have meant disrespect to his constituents. Interpreting a procedural decision as humiliation or contempt misrepresents both the facts and the Senator’s genuine concern for orderly governance. The fact that he addressed the matter publicly and gave clear reasons for his actions shows transparency, not arrogance.
The allegations against Senator Izunaso appear to stem more from misconception, miscommunication and political anxiety than from any genuine misconduct as the Senators action was in line with the provision of the constitution.
In steering a highly sensitive and consequential national conversation like state creation, it is the responsibility of a senator to balance the sentiments of his people with the demands of national unity, constitutional process, and strategic foresight and not by carrying placards as the Senator Osita Izunaso has a Constituency office in Orlu Zone which Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State is part and should endeavor to make use to bridge the communication gap.
Senator Izunaso has demonstrated this balance. He remains open to constructive engagement with all groups in his constituency, including Ohaji Nation, and continues to work to ensure their voice is heard—properly, formally, and effectively.
Those parading as leadership and members of Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum should follow due process in pursuit of their interest and allow the Senator to serve with passion by supporting him to succeed instead of the attack which is only to blackmail his good intentions in the struggle to ensure equality and fairness to complete the numbers of States in the South East of Nigeria.
