Akpabio speaks on proposed Anioma State at APC zonal congress
From Simon Utebor, Asaba Senate President Godswill Akpabio spoke on the proposed creation of Anioma State during the South-South Zonal Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Asaba,
From Simon Utebor, Asaba
Senate President Godswill Akpabio spoke on the proposed creation of Anioma State during the South-South Zonal Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held in Asaba, Delta State.
Akpabio said the National Assembly is considering the proposal and noted that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supportive of ongoing discussions on the matter.
He stated that the proposal includes designating Asaba as the capital of Anioma State, while Warri would serve as the capital of a restructured Delta State if the plan is approved.
The Senate President said the proposal being championed by the Senator representing Delta North, Ned Munir Nwoko, and other stakeholders is receiving legislative attention in the Senate.
The congress was attended by governors from the South-South states—Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River—as well as party officials and other stakeholders.
Akpabio also called for cooperation among stakeholders in the region.
Speaking with journalists, Senator Ned Nwoko said the proposal reflected the views of some communities in Delta North and that efforts toward its realisation are ongoing.
However, some advocates assert that Akpabio’s remarks on proposed Anioma State were generally cautious but politically significant.
They noted that from Akpabio's tone, he acknowledged the legitimacy of discussions around state creation in Nigeria and emphasised that such demands are not new but must follow constitutional processes.
They indicated that creating a new state is complex, requiring broad political consensus,
legislative approval (National Assembly) and support from affected regions.
Though the Senate President did not dismiss the Anioma proposal but he framed it as a long-term constitutional matter rather than a quick political win.
Observers believed that the Anioma movement, focused on Delta North, has gained traction.
Supporters argued that Anioma people (Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State) are politically and culturally distinct within the South-South region and would benefit more from a state of their own.
They contended that a separate state would allow more targeted governance, better infrastructure planning, and improved allocation of resources.
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They also believed that Anioma State could rebalance representation in Nigeria’s federal structure, especially in the South-East/South-South dynamics.
They further acknowledged that state creation in Nigeria is extremely difficult as it requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly; approval from state assemblies involved and a referendum in the affected area.
Advocates averred that while figures like Senator Nwoko and other supporters could drive momentum, success depends greatly on national-level alignment, not just regional support.
They opined that the remarks of Akpabio should not be dismissed as the National Assembly plays a central role in shaping legislative priorities, noting that Akpabio's willingness to engage (even cautiously) signalled that the issue is gaining visibility at the highest levels of government but will also face rigorous scrutiny.
