In a decisive political move, elected officials from the Delta North Senatorial District have issued a strong collective statement, firmly rejecting proposals to include a proposed Anioma State within the South-East geopolitical zone. The leaders, comprising members of the Delta State House of Assembly and the Executive Chairmen of the nine local government areas in the district, unanimously declared that Anioma must remain an integral part of the South-South region.
Unwavering Support for a Distinct Anioma State
The leaders reaffirmed their full and united backing for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a long-standing aspiration rather than a temporary political venture. They emphasized that the quest is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural identity of the Anioma people, championed by generations of forebears.
In their statement, they articulated that the establishment of Anioma State is a matter of justice, equity, and development for their people. They clarified the proposed structure, stating that the new state would encompass the nine local government areas currently making up Delta North, with Asaba designated as its capital city.
The Nine Local Government Areas of Proposed Anioma
The leaders provided a clear list of the constituent areas that would form the new state:
- Aniocha North
- Aniocha South
- Ika North-East
- Ika South
- Ndokwa East
- Ndokwa West
- Oshimili North
- Oshimili South
- Ukwuani
Firm and Non-Negotiable Rejection of South-East Alignment
The core of the leaders' declaration was a forceful rejection of any plan to merge the proposed state with the South-East. They stressed that the Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively part of the South-South geopolitical zone.
Their position was made unequivocally clear with the declaration: “Anioma is, and Must Remain, in the South-South.” They described this stance as non-negotiable and pledged to leverage their collective political influence to lobby for the creation of Anioma State strictly within the South-South framework.
Historical Context and Political Momentum
This recent statement aligns with renewed agitation for the state's creation, a movement described as one of the oldest in Nigeria's political history. The push was recently reignited by Senator Ned Nwoko, who shared a post on social media platform X titled “Let Anioma State Be.”
The post, authored by Sylvester Monye, outlined the historical and cultural significance of the movement, arguing that the demand aligns with the enduring aspirations of the Anioma people in northern Delta State. Supporters have dismissed claims that the renewed push is politically motivated, framing it instead as the fulfillment of a legitimate generational dream.
The unified stance taken by Delta North's elected representatives on December 1, 2025, marks a significant step in the ongoing campaign, setting a clear boundary against regional reclassification while vigorously pursuing self-determination within their identified zone.
