The agitation for the creation of Anioma State has taken a twist as legislators representing Delta North Senatorial District and chairmen of its nine local government met and roundly rejected the idea of situating the new state within South-East geopolitical zone.
In a joint statement issued after extensive deliberations, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the South-South, stressing that Anioma’s cultural and political destiny lies firmly within that region.
The statement, signed by members of the Delta State House of Assembly from Delta North and the executive chairmen of Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani LGAs, described the Anioma project as a long-standing aspiration rooted in history.
According to them, the dream of a distinct Anioma State was championed by past leaders and remains a matter of justice and equity for the people.
“Anioma Must Remain in the South-South”
The politicians emphasized that while they fully support the creation of Anioma State, they will resist any attempt to merge the district with the South-East.
“Anioma is, and must remain, in the South-South. The Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively aligned with the South-South. This position is deeply rooted in our heritage and is non-negotiable,” the statement read.
They clarified that the envisioned Anioma State would comprise only the nine LGAs of Delta North, with Asaba as its capital, thereby snubbing sections of Edo State that are pushing to be included in Anioma.
They pledged to use their political influence on lobby for the state’s creation, insisting that the move would fulfill the developmental aspirations of the Anioma people.
Historical Context
The agitation for Anioma State dates back several decades, with advocates arguing that the people of Delta North deserve a distinct identity within Nigeria’s federal structure.
Anioma, known for its Igbo-speaking communities, has often been caught in debates about whether its cultural ties align more with the South-East or South-South.
By rejecting inclusion in the South-East, these Delta North politicians have sought to settle the matter, aligning Anioma firmly with the South-South alongside states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo, which in fact is a multi-ethnic region.
It is not clear the political calculations or strategic reason for their preference of Anioma in the South South, although a large section of inhabitants of the area are pushing for inclusion into the South East.
The renewed Anioma declaration comes amid a national conversation on state creation, with several groups across Nigeria pressing for new states to address issues of representation, identity, and development.
While the Nigerian constitution allows for the creation of new states, the process requires significant legislative consensus and political will, making it one of the most challenging reforms to achieve.
While their is consensus on the creation of Anioma State the only contending question is which geopolitical zone it will be domiciled in – a question in which the answer can easily be found by the constitutionally-required referendum.
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