Senate President Godswill Akpabio don come out strong to support di creation of Anioma State, as im tok say Asaba go be di capital if di plan finally work. Akpabio yarn dis mata during di South-South zonal congress of di All Progressives Congress wey dem hold for Asaba, Delta State. Di event gather governors and big political figures from across di region.
Akpabio tok say di administration of President Bola Tinubu dey fully behind di proposal, as part of efforts to promote equity, balanced development, and better governance. Im explain say if Anioma State come out, Warri go become di capital of di remaining Delta State, because Warri already get strong infrastructure like airport, government offices, major oil companies, seaport, and stadium.
Di Senate President describe di push for Anioma State as one long-standing demand wey dey justified by fairness and di need for inclusive development. Im point to di legislative attention wey di proposal don get, especially from Senator Ned Nwoko, wey represent Delta North. “Di Senate fully support di initiative wey Senator Ned Nwoko dey spearhead,” Akpabio tok. “Anioma state go dey created, with Asaba as im capital.”
According to Akpabio, di creation of Anioma State go make governance closer to di people and go open new socio-economic opportunities. “Dis step go usher in new era of development and shared prosperity for all communities wey go dey inside,” im tok. “With Asaba as Anioma state capital, Warri go be di capital of di new Delta.”
Akpabio also call for unity among stakeholders for South-South region and urge dem to continue to support Tinubu administration Renewed Hope Agenda, wey im say na key to national cohesion and sustainable growth. Di congress wey Akpabio attend see governors from South-South states—Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River—as well as party officials and oda stakeholders.
Earlier, Senator Ned Nwoko don reveal for November 2025 say di Anioma State campaign don gain serious traction, with constitutional amendment processes dey underway and presidential backing don dey secured. Im also disclose say 97 senators don endorse di proposal, describing di level of support as unprecedented.
However, one loyalist of jailed separatist leader Simon Ekpa, Ngozi Orabueze, wey describe herself as Deputy Prime Minister/Chief of Staff of di United States of Biafra, don warn Akpabio and oda stakeholders against including Anioma for Nigeria. According to Orabueze, Anioma na part of Biafra Republic, one defunct country wey her group dey try to resurrect.
Orabueze write for X say, “Di United States of Biafra People and Government hereby inform Nigeria agents Godswill Akpabio and Ned Nwoko say di State of Anioma, with capital for Asaba, na part of di 40 States of Biafra wey dem declare for Lahti, Finland on November 29th 2024. Any attempt to include di state for Nigeria state or terrorist APC party project go be resisted.”
Im add say, “Di current Governor for di State na Hon Rev. John Izuegbu. Biafrans for di state of Anioma dey hereby called upon to give all support to Hon Izuegbu and resist di terrorist Nigeria Tinubu state, Ned Nwoko and Godswill Akpabio.”
Political observers believe say di Anioma movement, wey focus on Delta North, don gain traction. Supporters argue say Anioma people (Igbo-speaking communities for Delta State) dey politically and culturally distinct inside South-South region and go benefit more from state of dia own. Dem contend say separate state go allow more targeted governance, better infrastructure planning, and improved allocation of resources.
Dem also believe say Anioma State fit rebalance representation for Nigeria federal structure, especially for South-East/South-South dynamics. Dem acknowledge say state creation for Nigeria dey extremely difficult as e require two-thirds majority for National Assembly; approval from state assemblies involved and referendum for di affected area.
Advocates say while figures like Senator Nwoko and oda supporters fit drive momentum, success depend greatly on national-level alignment, not just regional support. Dem opine say Akpabio remarks no go dey dismissed as National Assembly play central role for shaping legislative priorities, noting say Akpabio willingness to engage (even cautiously) show say di issue dey gain visibility for highest levels of government but go still face rigorous scrutiny.
Some advocates assert say Akpabio remarks on proposed Anioma State generally cautious but politically significant. Dem note say from Akpabio tone, im acknowledge di legitimacy of discussions around state creation for Nigeria and emphasise say such demands no new but must follow constitutional processes. Dem indicate say creating new state complex, require broad political consensus, legislative approval (National Assembly) and support from affected regions.
Though di Senate President no dismiss di Anioma proposal but im frame am as long-term constitutional matter rather than quick political win. Speaking with journalists, Senator Ned Nwoko say di proposal reflect di views of some communities for Delta North and say efforts toward im realisation dey ongoing.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
