President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed readiness to sign into law the bill proposing the creation of Anioma State in the South-East region, once it clears all constitutional hurdles in the Senate, according to Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill’s main advocate.
Speaking at the Izu Anioma Towns Union’s cultural festival in Abuja over the weekend, Nwoko revealed that 97 senators have endorsed the creation of the proposed state, describing the development as “unprecedented in Nigeria’s state-creation history.”
The senator, representing Delta North and serving as Patron of the Union, said he first introduced the bill two years ago, proposing that Anioma be carved out from the nine local government areas of Delta North—four from Aniocha and Oshimili, two from Ika, and three from Ndokwa. He added that neighbouring communities, including Igbanke, have also expressed interest in joining the new state.
“Only one state will be created in Nigeria, and that one state will be Anioma,” Nwoko asserted, emphasizing that his bill allows for a single new state nationwide.
He explained that both the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment, which include representatives from across the country, agreed that the South-East geopolitical zone should have parity with other regions by adding a sixth state, with Anioma emerging as the most viable and legally sound option. Nwoko also confirmed the full backing of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu for the initiative.
“We have done our homework. A lot of lobbying, consultations, and engagements are ongoing. Nothing is being left undone,” he said.
Plans are underway for a regional adoption meeting in Awka, Anambra State, next weekend, where governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and Anioma leaders will formally endorse Anioma as the preferred candidate for state creation in the South-East.
Describing the constitutional amendment committees as “the most important in the country,” Nwoko said their support marks a major breakthrough for the Anioma cause, which dates back to 1954. He outlined the remaining steps, including documentation to the Presidency, concurrence by state assemblies and governors, and a national referendum allowing residents to affirm their desire for the new state. Upon completion of these processes, President Tinubu will sign the state-creation instrument in a “momentous” ceremony.
If approved, Anioma State will become one of two states in the new Delta region, with Asaba as its capital. Nwoko urged the Anioma people to remain united and prayerful as the project enters its decisive phase.
Earlier, Chief Barr. Luke Enelichi, President of the Izu Anioma Towns Union, described the demand for Anioma State as a quest for “justice, balance, and recognition.” He stressed that despite the Anioma people’s significant contributions to Delta State and Nigeria, they still lack a state that reflects their identity and aspirations.
Enelichi called on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to support the long-awaited dream, emphasizing that it would bring governance closer to the people, ensure equitable representation, and promote balanced development. “We are one Anioma from Aniocha to Ndokwa, from Ika to Oshimili,” he declared.
