Senator Ned Nwoko Calls for Unified Igbo Support in Anioma State Creation Push
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has issued a compelling appeal to political leaders and stakeholders across the South-East geopolitical zone to rally behind the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the region. In a statement released from Abuja, Nwoko emphasized the need for a unified approach, describing this initiative as a historic and strategic opportunity for the Igbo nation that demands collective action.
Consolidating Agitations for a Common Goal
Nwoko urged proponents of various state creation movements in the South-East to set aside individual agitations and consolidate their support specifically for Anioma State. He stressed that the time has come for unity, as the campaign gains significant momentum within national political discourse. This call aligns with broader efforts to streamline advocacy and focus legislative energy on a single, viable proposal.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly reaffirmed legislative and political backing for the Anioma State initiative, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to its realization. Akpabio described the agitation as historically justified, anchored on principles of equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced national development. Nwoko highlighted that the current campaign enjoys priority attention in the 10th Senate and holds strong potential to unlock socio-economic growth for the region.
Advanced Legislative Phase and Political Alignments
Meanwhile, Tonnie Oganah, the Media and Publicity Director of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, has confirmed that the long-running agitation for Anioma State has entered its most advanced legislative phase. In an interview, Oganah stated that stakeholders are increasingly linking the movement to broader political alignments within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's national structure, indicating growing cross-party support.
Oganah explained that the push for state creation is gaining substantial momentum, with the process progressing significantly through the National Assembly. The bill has scaled major hurdles and is advancing toward its third reading, after which harmonization between the Senate and the House of Representatives would follow. This would precede a referendum conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where residents would be presented with a simple question on whether they want the creation of Anioma State, without political complications such as leadership contests attached.
Broad Political Support and Decisive Factors
Oganah credited Senate leadership, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio, for the smooth legislative progression of the proposal. He noted that broad political support is emerging across party lines, including governors from different political platforms. Despite Nigeria's multiparty structure, Oganah argued that virtually every governor is aligned in one way or another, suggesting that state assemblies remain a decisive factor in determining the bill's final success.
This development underscores a critical juncture in Nigeria's political landscape, where regional aspirations intersect with national legislative processes. The unified call from Senator Nwoko and the advanced legislative status signal a pivotal moment for the Anioma State creation campaign, potentially reshaping the South-East's administrative and political future.
