Anioma State creation has Tinubu’s backing – Ned Nwoko

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has revealed that the push for the creation of Anioma State is gaining significant traction, with backing from constitutional amendment committees and President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at the Izu Anioma Towns Union event in Abuja over the weekend, which also unveiled the maiden Anioma cultural festival, Nwoko said 97 senators had previously endorsed the creation of the state, describing the level of support as unprecedented.

He explained that the bill he introduced aims to carve Anioma State from nine local government areas in Delta North, four in Aniocha, Oshimili, two in Ika, and three in Ndokwa, while noting that some neighbouring communities, such as Igbanke, have expressed interest in joining the proposed state.

“Only one state will be created in Nigeria, and that one state will be Anioma,” he said.

Nwoko added that the Senate and House of Representatives committees on constitutional amendment, representing all states, have agreed that the South-East region should be granted a sixth state for regional balance. He noted that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu have expressed support, with Tinubu ready to approve the creation once all constitutional procedures are completed.

The senator said leaders from the South-East, traditional rulers, and Anioma representatives are scheduled to meet in Awka, Anambra State, next weekend to adopt Anioma as the region’s official candidate for the new state.

The subsequent steps, he outlined, include submission of documentation to the presidency, concurrence by state assemblies and governors, and a national referendum. Upon completion, Tinubu is expected to sign the state-creation instrument in a “momentous” ceremony.

Urging the Anioma people to remain united, Nwoko stated, “I did not start this struggle, but I will finish it. Anioma State will be the beginning of a new era.” He also previously linked the creation of Anioma State and the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu as measures that could help resolve unrest in the South-East.