Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North), is advocating for the creation of Anioma State out of current Delta State in a bid to rectify a long-standing imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.
Asaba – the current capital city of Delta state is located within the Anioma territory.
The South East currently comprises five states, in contrast to other zones with six states each, except the North West with seven states.
This discrepancy results in fewer legislative representation for the South East, with only 15 senators compared to the 18 senators representing other zones. The imbalance extends to the allocation of national resources, perpetuating a part of the historical injustice agitating the South East region.
Senator Nwoko asserts that “Anioma State’s creation is not just about increasing the number of states; it’s about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the South East,” the bill’s sponsor emphasized.
The senator argues that Anioma comprising of nine local government areas, six of which are rich in oil and gas, is a viable candidate for statehood due to its significant human capital and economic potential.
He claims to have garnered support for the new state from powerful stakeholders including Izu Anioma – a socio-cultural group, and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo – the Pan-Igbo sociopolitical organization. He claims to have gotten the buy-in of political and traditional leadership in Anioma, including the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, and also former President Olusegun Obasanjo towards the agenda.
“With the majority of stakeholders in agreement, it is time to act and bring Anioma State into existence,” the bill’s proponent stated.
The development comes as another bill for the creation of Orlu State out of the current South East region had just passed the first reading in the lower legislative chambers – the House of Representatives sponsored by Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP, Ideato North South Federal Constituency) – Imo State.
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