Chief Hon James Ugwu, Chairman of the Adada State Creation Movement, recently shared historical insights during an interview featured in The Sun. He expressed confidence in Hon. Ugochinyere's discernment of the truth in his assertions, urging both the Presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly to carefully consider his viewpoint.
Ugwu recalled a significant event from 1970, noting that during that period, there was a formal proposal for the establishment of Wawa State, corresponding to what is now Enugu State. This proposal was submitted to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd). According to documentation in Ugwu's possession, the Southeast region was divided into two distinct zones of equal population and geographical size: the southern Igbos, referred to as Ndi Agbenu, and the northern Igbos, known as Ndi Wawa, encompassing present-day Ebonyi and Enugu states.
He added, “Sometime in 1970, there was a request for the creation of Wawa State, which is Enugu today. The application was submitted to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd). In that document, which I have, Southeast is sharply divided into two, with equal population and landmass. We have the southern Igbos, known as Ndi Agbenu. The northern Igbos are known as Ndi Wawa, comprising Ebonyi and Enugu today. Southern Igbo presently have Abia, Anambra and Imo states. People should morally see reasons that if any state should be created, it should be Adada, which is from the northern Igbo.”
He highlighted that the southern Igbo region currently includes Abia, Anambra, and Imo states. Ugwu contended that if a new state were to be established, it should be Adada, representing the northern Igbo, due to its superior qualifications and unanimous support. He stressed that Adada has consistently met all the criteria for state creation from the very beginning, with no opposition. All councillors, House of Assembly members, and National Assembly representatives from the areas requesting the new state have fully endorsed the creation of Adada State. Moreover, the governments and residents of Ebonyi and Enugu states also support the establishment of Adada State.