97 Senators Support Anioma State Creation, Says Nwoko

THE senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, Ned Nwoko, on Saturday, November 8, disclosed that the campaign for the creation of Anioma State has reached an advanced stage, as 97 senators have expressed support for the bid.
In his remarks at the Izu Anioma Towns Union ceremony, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, during which the maiden Anioma Cultural Festival (Anioma Day) was unveiled, Nwoko enthused that 97 senators had earlier signed a document endorsing Anioma State, a development he described as unprecedented in the history of state creation.
During the ceremony, the union honoured deserving Anioma sons and daughters, including Nwoko, who serves as its Patron.
He recalled that he introduced the Bill two years ago seeking to carve Anioma from the nine local government areas of Delta North- four in Aniocha, Oshimili, two in Ika, and three in Ndokwa- adding that some neighbouring communities, including Igbanke, in the present Edo State, have expressed desire to join the proposed state.
Nwoko stated that “only one state will be created in Nigeria, and that one state will be Anioma,” as his Bill prescribes the creation of only a single new state nationwide.
He added that the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment, with representation from every state, have agreed that the Southeast must be brought to parity with other geopolitical zones by adding a sixth state, insisting that Anioma remains the strongest and most legally sound option before the committees.
Nwoko assured his constituents that the initiative has received the backing of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and President Bola Tinubu, who has pledged full support once all constitutional requirements are met, noting: “We have done our homework.
“A lot of lobbying, contacts and consultations are ongoing. Nothing is being left undone.”
He disclosed that next, governors and National Assembly members from the Southeast, traditional rulers, Anioma representatives and other leaders would meet in Awka, the Anambra State capital, to formally adopt Anioma as the zone’s preferred option.
Nwoko outlined the next steps to include documentation to the Presidency, concurrence by state assemblies and governors, and a national referendum, in which residents will affirm their desire for Anioma State.
He said the President would thereafter publicly sign the state-creation instrument in what he described as a “momentous” ceremony.
The senator urged Anioma people to remain united, focused and prayerful as the process enters its decisive phase, adding: “I did not start this struggle, but I will finish it. Anioma State will be the beginning of a new era.”
Earlier, President of the union, Luke Enelichi, said the demand for Anioma State was not just political, but a quest for justice, equity and recognition, noting that despite its significant contributions to Delta State and Nigeria, its people lack a state that reflects their identity and aspirations.
He urged the President, National Assembly and all stakeholders to support all efforts to have Anioma State created, saying such would bring governance closer to the people and ensure fair representation, equitable resource distribution and improved development outcomes.
Enelichi charged Anioma people to remain united, adding: “We are one Anioma.”