By John Umeh
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has thrown his weight behind the ongoing move to create Anioma State, a development that would bring long-sought balance to Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.
Speaking at the Izu Anioma Towns Union gathering in Abuja during the unveiling of the first Anioma Cultural Festival, Nwoko said the effort to carve Anioma State out of Delta North has gained unprecedented momentum at both the executive and legislative levels.
According to the lawmaker, the proposal now enjoys broad national support, including from key constitutional amendment committees in the National Assembly and nearly 97 senators who have endorsed the state creation plan.
“We have reached the most advanced stage ever in this struggle. President Tinubu has shown clear commitment to equity and fairness across regions,” Nwoko said.
Structure of the Proposed Anioma State
The senator explained that the proposed Anioma State would be made up of the nine local government areas in Delta North, encompassing the Aniocha, Oshimili, Ika, and Ndokwa zones.
He added that nearby border communities such as Igbanke in Edo State have also indicated interest in joining the new state, given their shared cultural and linguistic heritage with the Anioma people.
National Consensus and Legislative Progress
Nwoko disclosed that the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Constitutional Amendment has agreed that the South-East geopolitical zone deserves an additional state to ensure parity with other regions, which all have six states each.
He further noted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lent his support to the proposal, while President Tinubu has signaled readiness to approve it once the necessary constitutional procedures are completed.
“This is not just a regional matter; it is a national issue rooted in fairness,” he said. “All stakeholders understand that the South-East deserves equal representation.”
Next Steps and Consultations
According to Nwoko, the process has now reached a critical consultative stage. Traditional rulers, political leaders, and representatives from across the South-East are expected to meet in Awka, Anambra State, next weekend to formally adopt Anioma as the zone’s preferred candidate for the new state.
He outlined the remaining constitutional steps to include:
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Formal submission of documents to the Presidency.
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Endorsement by the relevant State Houses of Assembly and governors.
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National referendum to ratify the creation of the new state.
Once these are completed, Nwoko expressed confidence that President Tinubu would assent to the legislation, marking what he called a “historic and unifying milestone” in Nigeria’s political evolution.
A Vision Nearing Reality
Reaffirming his commitment to the struggle, Nwoko said the Anioma people have waited long enough for recognition within the Nigerian federation.
“I may not have started this struggle, but I am determined to finish it. Anioma State is within reach. We are closer than ever to making history,” he declared.
He called on indigenes of Anioma at home and abroad to remain united and patient as the movement approaches its defining moment.
Is this his real Reason? Ned Nwoko Eyes Governorship as Tinubu Backs Creation of Anioma State
