Creation of Anioma state, time for unity – Oganah
Momentum is building for the creation of Anioma State, with recent developments in the National Assembly giving new hope that the long-standing demand may soon become a reality. In this
Momentum is building for the creation of Anioma State, with recent developments in the National Assembly giving new hope that the long-standing demand may soon become a reality. In this interview, Senior Correspondent, Chinyere Okoroafor, speaks with Chief Tonnie Oganah on the progress of Anioma State creation, the politics involved, and what comes next. He also explains the need for unity among Anioma people and support for the movement.
Now that Anioma State seems closer than ever to becoming a reality, how do you respond to this progress?
All I have to say is that we have God to thank. Anioma has God to thank. Anioma also has the APC to thank if the state is created before the elections and not used as a mere campaign gimmick. You mentioned that it has been read in the Senate. Thanks to Senator Akpabio, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House, things have been progressing well in the legislature. You know, everything originates from the legislature; the executive merely signs off.
Anioma is blessed and fortunate in one way. Virtually every governor in Nigeria is APC, as I speak. Although we know some are APC during the day and something else at night, PDP, Labour Party, ADC, or anti-Asiwaju. But since they all claim to be APC, we will assume they are. With about 32 governors and 32 Speakers of the House, because governors tend to move with their entire structure, Anioma stands a strong chance. We don't even need concurrence from every state; we just need two-thirds, which is 24. Now, we have 32 governors, who, I am sure, at the appropriate time, will be instructed to engage their State Assembly members to support the process.
The real challenge will not come from Anioma representatives in the State Houses of Assembly, where there are about 9 or 10 of them. The challenge will be with Anioma members in the House of Representatives, about three of them, to see whether they will vote against the creation of Anioma State, which is meant to benefit their own people. If they do that, God help them. They would enter the Guinness Book of Records as representatives who were clearly anti-people. God forbid they take that path. So, as we keep saying, this is a time for unity. Anioma people should come together. Let us first achieve the creation of the state. When that is done, anyone can contest for governor, Okonkwo, Okorie, Adeke, Adafor, or even me. I am qualified. What does it take to be governor? You just need to be 35 years old. You don't even need a law degree. Everyone can run. Even Okowa can contest again because, at the time he was governor of Delta State, Anioma did not exist.
Now, with Anioma, he can test his popularity. Ned can test his popularity. I, too, can test mine. Even Okonjo-Iweala can test her popularity if she so wishes, because the ultimate honour is to serve your people. There is nothing like it. It is better to stand for your people and lose than to go against them and win, because no one lives forever. We must all think about the legacy we leave behind. What do you want to be remembered for? As someone who stood against the progress of your people? As someone who opposed state creation and the opportunities it brings, jobs for young people, contracts for businessmen, and a fair share of national resources, simply because of fear of losing political structure?
If you are truly popular, then in the new state, position yourself not as an enemy of the people but as a co-labourer. And if you are a co-labourer, you will also be a co-beneficiary.
Clearly and unapologetically, the Anioma State creation movement started about 70 years ago, led by Osadebe, the Obi of Agbor at the time, and others. Today, it is being championed by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who, as I said, is like the Moses of our time.
Moses did not see the Promised Land, but Ned, by the special grace of God and Allah, will see it; he will become Joshua. Like Caleb, he has fought many battles and won, and he will continue to win. Whenever he makes a move, others try to counter it. Some individuals from the PDP, whom he advised to move quietly to the APC, have followed him there again. If they do not align with him, then they should remain in their different parties. Asiwaju, our President, should understand that the challenges Ned faces are largely because he is aligned with him. Ned is the foremost Anioma man supporting Asiwaju and has naturally inherited his enemies, which is unfortunate. At the same time, we Anioma people are clearly Igbo. We identify with the Igbo nation, including the call for the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Even if Nnamdi Kanu is released and Anioma State is created, Anioma will reward the APC and Asiwaju with our votes, and we have about two million votes.
The proposal has reportedly been read in the National Assembly. What exactly does that mean in terms of progress and next steps?
It means we are now in the second quarter. The only thing remaining is the third reading. After that, there will be concurrence, where the Senate and the House of Representatives will meet and agree. Then it will proceed to a referendum. A referendum means INEC will organise a vote, not exactly an election, but a simple question directed at the Anioma people.
The question will be just one: Do you want Anioma State? Yes or no. They will not ask any other question. They will not ask whether you want Igbanke included; that will come later through boundary adjustments if the people of Igbanke decide to join. They will not ask whether you want Ned as governor, or Okowa's wife, daughter, or son as governor. None of that will be on the ballot.
The only question will be: Do you want Anioma State? Anioma people, I am sure we do not want to enter the Guinness Book of Records for negativity by saying no. Because when they ask that question, what they are really asking is: Do you want a share of the national cake? Clearly, we do. We are hardworking, productive, and industrious people. We have assets. We are bringing value to the Southeast, more people, knowledgeable and skilled individuals, as well as natural resources, including oil and gas. If that happens, there will be room for collaboration between Anioma and Anambra State to dredge the River Niger. Once the River Niger is dredged, our sons and daughters, who dominate commerce in Nigeria, will begin to import goods through Asaba and Onitsha ports. That means more revenue, a stronger local economy, and reduced pressure on Lagos. So, it is a win-win-win for everyone.
More importantly, Asaba, the proposed capital of Anioma, is already the capital of Delta State. The infrastructure is already in place: airports, judges' quarters, a House of Assembly, a Court of Appeal, restaurants, schools, universities, commissioners' quarters, everything a state capital needs. Petroleum stations are everywhere.
This makes it a win-win situation, unlike creating a new state elsewhere in the Southeast, where everything would have to be built from scratch. If a new state is created without Anioma, God forbid, it would likely involve carving out parts of Imo or Anambra States. That would reduce their budgets. But Anioma is different; we are adding value. We have our own resources, our own strength, and our own identity. We also have a strong reputation. Two of Nigeria's leading banks, UBA and Zenith Bank, are led by Anioma people. In journalism, ThisDay and Arise are linked to Anioma. Look at the global stage, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In football, look at Jay-Jay Okocha and Olise. Anioma is a spirit; wherever we go, we excel. So, it will be a win-win for Nigeria. The country will be more balanced. The Southeast will feel more included, having six states like other zones, except the Northwest, which has seven.
This will help reduce tension, agitation, and feelings of marginalisation, especially if Nnamdi Kanu is also released. It would be a win-win-win, because no Igbo person is happy that Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention, especially when courts have ruled in his favour. Nnamdi Kanu is not Asiwaju's problem; it was inherited from former President Buhari. But now, as the election season approaches, Asiwaju has an opportunity to do the right thing by facilitating his release and supporting the creation of Anioma State. By doing so, he would have effectively secured support from three geopolitical zones: the Southeast, the South-South, and the Southwest, where he comes from. That would position him strongly to then compete for votes in the North Central, North East, and North West.
What about the non-Igbo-speaking parts of Delta State? Are they happy to let Anioma go?
They are happy to let us go. Each time I go to Abuja, I meet Senator Ede Dafinone, and they can't wait for us to leave. The truth is, apart from being placed in one state, the average Anioma person is Igbo and has little in common culturally, in terms of affinity or consanguinity, with the Urhobo or Itsekiri.
Our worldviews are different. We have nothing in common with Itsekiris or Urhobos. The languages are different. The lifestyles are different. The burial rites are different. The marriage rites are different. Even the mode of dressing is different. They also see us as outsiders. Truth be told, the capital of Delta State ought to be in Warri. So, in many ways, we are treated as a minority in Delta. For us, Anioma goes beyond just jobs or creating a new state for its own sake. No. We want our own identity. Historically, it was the British colonial masters, especially after the Ekumeku War (1883–1914), which lasted for years, who decided to fragment the Igbo nation. That is why you find Igbos spread across different states: some in Rivers, some in Cross River, while the majority are in the Southeast, Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and Ebonyi. But you also have Igbos in Kogi, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Cross River. It was the colonial rule that divided, if I may say so, even 'multifurcated,' the Igbo people, because they understood that 'Igwebuike': if we come together, the Igbo nation would be very strong. We have the resources and the resilience. Even after the civil war, when Igbo people were given only £20 regardless of what they had in their bank accounts, look at where they are today. Anambra State, for instance, has one of the highest numbers of billionaires in Nigeria, and they are not in government; they are entrepreneurs, thriving in commerce. That same spirit runs through the entire Igbo nation. The Igbo nation goes beyond the Southeast. It is a people to be admired and to be proud of. And Anioma is proud to reconnect with its roots, because “Igbo bu ofu” and “Igwebuike” unity is strength and power.
How many communities will make up the Anioma State?
There are nine local government areas. Let me name them: Aniocha North, with headquarters in Issele-Uku. Aniocha South, with headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku. Ika North East, with headquarters in Owa-Oyibu.
Ika South, with headquarters in Agbor.
Oshimili North, with headquarters in Issele-Azagba. Oshimili South, with headquarters in Asaba. Ndokwa East, with headquarters in Aboh. Ndokwa West, with headquarters in Kwale. Ukwuani, with headquarters in Obiaruku. These are nine solid local government areas, all endowed with natural resources, filled with promise, and populated by educated and enterprising people. We are ready to move forward.
Why do you think Ned should return to the Senate come 2027?
The current senator, by the special grace of God and through his hard work, will return to the Senate. Those of us who are close to him have made it clear that we do not want him to leave the Senate until he delivers Anioma State, because he has promised us. For this not to be seen as a mere campaign gimmick, he must see it through. He has invested a lot of his personal resources into this cause. At the beginning, we suggested fundraising, but he declined. Ned did not make his money from politics. This is a man who owns two private jets and has mansions not only in Africa but also in Europe. He was, and still is, a leading international lawyer in London. Yet, he has chosen to set all that aside to work towards the emancipation of his people. Speaking for myself, if I had the kind of wealth Ned has, would I be concerned about politics or even state creation? I would simply enjoy my life. But Ned has said no, the vision of his grandfather and his father must come to fruition in his lifetime. That is why we refer to him as 'Munir,' which in Arabic means Moses. In a way, he represents Moses, who received the vision; Joshua, who leads the people into the promised land; and Caleb, who helps to establish it.
Who are the opponents of the creation of Anioma State?
There are over 70 traditional rulers in Aniomaland, and only about three or four are openly opposed to the creation of the state. Their concern is largely about losing influence or not being in control. They are uncomfortable that if Ned succeeds, it will elevate his political standing, which could affect their own structures. But I believe those fears are unnecessary. If they truly have the support of the people, then whether or not Ned succeeds should not threaten them. The same people will decide. Whether we remain nine local governments in Delta State or become nine local governments in Anioma State, if you have not served the people well, they will not vote for you. So, there is nothing to fear but fear itself. This is the time for unity, for everyone to come together and work towards achieving the state. For the APC, it is a win-win-win, and I will explain why.
If Anioma State is created, the remaining part of Delta State can restructure itself as it wishes, perhaps even become a new Delta or Warri State, with Warri as its capital, which many of them prefer. In fact, Delta State has been led by governors who did not originate from certain dominant areas, and that has always been a concern for some. So, there is mutual benefit in allowing Anioma to emerge and align more closely with its cultural and regional identity in the Southeast.
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We appreciate Senator Ned for championing this cause. At the same time, we appeal to the few traditional rulers opposing it to reconsider, because this is about progress for their people. A new state means jobs, contracts, development, and improved living standards.
With Anioma State, we can achieve projects like the step-down facility in Ukpai and the water dam in Ogwashi-Uku. It will also create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. It is truly a win-win situation. Anioma is viable. There are no viability concerns. For the average Anioma person, there is nothing to fear. We are hopeful. We are expectant. We are jubilant that, in our lifetime, this state can be created by the special grace of God, and we have Senator Ned to thank for that. So, his political opponents should sheathe their swords for now. Let us first achieve the creation of the state. After that, politics can resume. Once the state is created, there will be a transitional period. You cannot create a state on Monday and conduct elections on Tuesday. There will be an administrator in place, and time will be needed to share assets and liabilities between the current Delta State and the new Anioma State. After this transition, elections will be held. At that point, anyone can contest for Senate, for governor, or any other position, and they are free to challenge Ned if they wish. But the Ned I know is not doing this for power. He is doing it out of conviction and a deep commitment to his people.
