A significant political initiative by Senator Ned Nwoko to include a proposed Anioma State within the South-East geopolitical zone has been met with a powerful and unified rejection from key leaders in the Delta North Senatorial District.
Leaders Draw a Red Line
On Sunday, a major political blow was dealt to the proposal. Lawmakers representing Delta North in the Delta State House of Assembly, together with the nine local government chairmen from the district, issued a joint statement firmly opposing the idea. They labeled the suggestion as "unacceptable, ahistorical, and contrary to the collective identity of the Anioma people."
The leaders expressed their total and unequivocal support for the creation of Anioma State. However, they made it explicitly clear that the new state must remain within the South-South region. They emphasized that this is where the Anioma people are "historically, geographically, and administratively located." This coordinated pushback represents the most significant political challenge yet to the suggestions widely associated with Senator Nwoko.
The Historical Quest for a State
The statement from the Delta North leaders revealed that their resolution followed extensive deliberations on the revived national debate about creating new states. They framed the struggle for Anioma State not as a recent political maneuver, but as a "generational pursuit" focused on securing political identity, preserving culture, and accelerating development.
"Our quest for a distinct and autonomous Anioma State is not a fleeting political venture but a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history, championed by our revered forebears," the declaration read. They described the state's creation as a matter of justice, equity, and a crucial step toward fulfilling the political and developmental destiny of the Anioma people.
The leaders reiterated the specific parameters for the proposed state. It must be carved strictly from the existing nine Local Government Areas in Delta North: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani. They proposed Asaba as the state capital.
A Non-Negotiable Stance on Geopolitical Alignment
While pledging to use their full political influence to advance the creation of Anioma State, the leaders drew a bold red line on the issue of geopolitical reclassification. They declared an unwavering position against any attempt to merge Anioma with the South-East.
"We vehemently oppose any proposed move or merger with any part of the South-East geopolitical zone," they stated. "Anioma is, and must remain, in the South-South. The Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively aligned with the South-South. This position is deeply rooted in our heritage and is non-negotiable."
This firm declaration serves as a direct repudiation of Senator Nwoko's recent advocacy, which critics claim is driven more by political sentiment than historical facts. Although Nwoko has pointed to cultural affinities with the Igbo-speaking South-East, the main political bloc in Delta North has shown it is not willing to alter the existing geopolitical alignments.
The leaders concluded by affirming their unity in "protecting the collective interest and identity of the Anioma nation," a stance they will maintain as the National Assembly continues to consider submissions for new state creation.
