Creation Of Anioma State Now At Advanced Stage – Stakeholders

Stakeholders pushing for the creation of Anioma State yesterday said it has reached an advanced legislative stage at the National Assembly declaring that the long-standing agitation is closer to reality than ever before.

This is even as political actors have cautioned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to beware of those they described as, “fake members and supporters” allegedly working to frustrate the process.

The stakeholders in a statement issued in Lagos by the media and publicity director of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, Chief Tonnie Oganah, said the proposal, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, has recorded significant milestones in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Oganah described the current progress as a breakthrough, noting that the bill has enjoyed strong backing from the Senate leadership under Senator Godswill Akpabio, as well as support in the House of Representatives.

He, however, warned that the political environment surrounding the agitation has become increasingly complex due to alignments and rivalries linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The challenges he faces are largely because of his alignment with the President. He has inherited many of the President’s political enemies,” Oganah said.

He added that Nigeria’s political landscape remains fluid, stressing that “some politicians are APC in the morning and PDP at night.”

Oganah maintained that despite the tensions, the Anioma State creation bill has scaled critical legislative stages and is now awaiting third reading before harmonisation between both chambers.

According to him, the next phase will involve a referendum to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where residents will decide “whether they want Anioma State or not.”

He expressed confidence that the growing bipartisan support for the proposal indicates that it has transcended partisan politics.

While tracing the agitation back to over 70 years ago, Oganah credited early pioneers even as he noted that its current momentum is largely driven by Senator Ned Nwoko.

He argued that Anioma possesses the necessary infrastructure and economic capacity to function effectively as a state, citing facilities such as the Asaba Airport, courts, schools and administrative institutions.

He, however, said, beyond infrastructure, the demand is rooted in both economic and identity considerations, insisting that Anioma people, though culturally Igbo, remain politically marginalised within Delta State.

He noted that the creation of the state would expand opportunities for employment, infrastructure development, contracts and political inclusion, describing it as a “win-win for Nigeria.”

“We should all support Ned irrespective of our fondness, jealousy or hatred of him. APC should not make the grievous mistake of allowing Ned detractors to frustrate his re-election to the Senate as he is an ardent supporter of President Tinubu,” he said.