The disintegration of the East, in particular, stemmed from the splitting of the area into three semi autonomous units called states, aimed at preventing the people from speaking with one voice. It was on the eve of the planned Biafra secession, and they quickly moved in to dismember the East, so that the people would not be unite to pursue a common cause.
States were however created in other parts of the country, but that of the East was borne out of hatred and acrimony.
For instance, while in the other regions where states were created, joint boards were set up to manage their assets and liabilities, in the East, the people insisted that their own assets and liabilities must be shared. This led to the setting up of a body known as the Eastern States Assets and Liabilities Agency (ESIALA), for the purpose of
