Senate President Godswill Akpabio Reaffirms Legislative Support for Anioma State Creation
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has strongly reaffirmed legislative support for the proposed creation of Anioma state, declaring that the initiative remains a top priority under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Akpabio made these significant remarks while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress at the party's south-south zonal congress held in Asaba.
Clear Vision for New State Structure
"Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital. The senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko," Akpabio stated unequivocally. He elaborated on the proposed territorial arrangement, noting that Warri would serve as the capital of the remaining Delta state, citing its substantial infrastructure including an international airport, seaport, numerous government institutions and significant oil industry presence.
Akpabio emphasized that "this step will usher in a new era of development and shared prosperity for all constituent communities" across the region. The proposal, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North, has gained substantial traction within the 10th Senate, with lawmakers actively considering it as part of broader constitutional amendments currently under review.
Historical Justification and Development Benefits
The Senate President described the agitation for Anioma state as historically justified, noting that it reflects long-standing demands for equity, administrative efficiency and balanced regional development. Akpabio further emphasized that creating the new state would promote significant decentralization and socio-economic growth by splitting Delta into two viable, manageable entities with distinct administrative centers.
He called for unity across the entire south-south region and urged all stakeholders to support the federal government's "Renewed Hope Agenda," stating that such initiatives would drive comprehensive national development and deeper integration among Nigeria's diverse communities.
Unprecedented Legislative Support
Senator Ned Nwoko had earlier revealed that dozens of senators have already backed the Anioma state proposal, describing the level of legislative support as unprecedented in recent constitutional amendment discussions. The momentum behind this initiative suggests it may advance through legislative processes more rapidly than previous state creation proposals.
The creation of Anioma state would represent the first new state formation in Nigeria in decades, potentially setting a precedent for how regional administrative restructuring might be approached under the current constitutional framework. Political analysts note that such developments could have far-reaching implications for resource allocation, political representation and development planning across Nigeria's federal structure.
