Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent proposal to establish Anioma State by dividing Delta State and incorporating the new state into the Southeast region has sparked significant debate among the Anioma community.
Senator Nwoko has been a strong advocate for the creation of Anioma State, highlighting its rich resources and human capital. He emphasized that the region’s nine local government areas, particularly six that are abundant in oil and gas, make it a sustainable candidate for statehood. “Creating Anioma State is not just about increasing the number of states, but ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the South-East,” Nwoko stated.
Nwoko also mentioned the widespread support for this initiative from various stakeholders, including the Anioma socio-cultural group, Izu Anioma, and the pan-Igbo cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo. He asserted that despite a few dissenting voices, the majority of the community, including community leaders, youths, women, and various groups, support the creation of Anioma State.
Despite the support, there is notable opposition from some quarters. The Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), led by General Mike Ndubisi, and the Ndokwa Study Group, led by Dr. Norris Ovili, have expressed their disapproval of including the proposed Anioma State in the Southeast region. They argue that the new state should only encompass areas west of the Niger, specifically the old Aboh and old Asaba Divisions.
Similarly, the Ika ethnic group has voiced its opposition to Nwoko’s bill. They support the creation of Anioma State but disagree with its inclusion in the Eastern Region. Elder Daniel Usifoh, Head of Collective Leadership of Onu Ika, Nigeria (HCL), urged Senator Nwoko to reconsider the geographical boundaries of the proposed state.
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The youths of Agbor Kingdom, represented by Ikoro-Agbor, have also raised objections. In a protest letter to President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, they claimed that Senator Nwoko did not consult with them before proposing the new state’s inclusion in the Southeast region. They emphasized that any political reconfiguration involving Delta North should be subjected to a plebiscite, similar to the process followed for the creation of the Midwest Region in 1964.
The Owa Progressives group, led by Alex Okunbor, also opposed the idea of Anioma State becoming part of the Southeast geopolitical zone. They believe that Anioma and the Southeast are ideologically incompatible and that the people of Owa Kingdom are better off remaining in the South-South geopolitical zone.
Chief Dan Okenyi, a former national publicity secretary of the Anioma State Movement, believes that the opposition stems from a lack of understanding of the proposal’s benefits. He suggested that Anioma people should focus on lobbying key stakeholders in the Southeast, such as Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, governors, and parliamentarians, to support the creation of Anioma State. Okenyi argued that being part of a recognized geographical zone would offer more benefits than being divided by senatorial districts.
In the midst of this controversy, Anioma monarchs have expressed their support for Senator Nwoko’s initiative. After an interactive session with him, the monarchs, led by Obi Daniel Ogbudo, issued a communique endorsing Nwoko’s efforts. They urged him to engage with more stakeholders to build a unified front and ensure the successful creation of Anioma State. They commended his dedication and the progress achieved thus far.
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