Anioma State Creation Gains Momentum: Senate President Pledges Support for Split
The long-standing demand for the creation of a new Anioma State, carved out of the existing Delta State in Nigeria, has received a significant boost with a public declaration of support from the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Speaking at the South-South zonal congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Asaba, Delta State, Akpabio asserted that the creation of Anioma State is not only a matter of political will but also a strategic move towards enhanced development and balanced governance.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Akpabio stated, is fully committed to the proposal. He articulated a vision where the proposed Anioma State would have Asaba as its capital, while the remaining portion of Delta State would be renamed and have Warri as its capital. This restructuring, according to the Senate President, is designed to usher in a new era of development and shared prosperity for all the communities involved.
“Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital,” Akpabio declared, emphasizing the Senate’s full backing for the initiative, which is being championed by Senator Ned Nwoko. He further elaborated on the proposed division: “With Asaba as Anioma state capital, Warri will be the capital of the new Delta.”
The rationale behind this significant administrative overhaul is rooted in historical justifications, addressing calls for equity, administrative convenience, and the need for more balanced development across the region. Akpabio highlighted that Warri possesses the existing infrastructure necessary to function effectively as a state capital, pointing to its airport, seaport, presence of major oil companies, government institutions, and a stadium.
A Vision for Decentralisation and Growth
Senator Ned Nwoko, a key proponent of the Anioma State movement, has previously indicated that the push for its creation has garnered substantial legislative backing. He reported that an unprecedented 97 senators have endorsed the move, underscoring the significant momentum the proposal has gained. Akpabio’s endorsement at the APC zonal congress further solidifies this legislative support, positioning the restructuring as a priority for the 10th Senate.
The proposed split is viewed as a mechanism to deepen decentralisation within the Nigerian federal structure. By dividing Delta State into two viable entities, the move is expected to unlock a plethora of socio-economic opportunities, fostering more targeted development and governance tailored to the specific needs of each new state. This approach aims to enhance administrative efficiency and promote more equitable distribution of resources and political representation.
Call for Unity and Alignment with National Agenda
Beyond the specific issue of Anioma State, Senate President Akpabio used the platform of the South-South zonal congress to call for unity among political stakeholders in the region. He urged them to align with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” a national framework aimed at driving economic recovery, security, and social development across Nigeria. The congress itself was a significant gathering, attended by governors from Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River states, alongside other prominent party leaders, signifying a strong convergence of political forces in the South-South geo-political zone.
The creation of Anioma State, if realized, would represent a significant shift in the political and administrative landscape of the South-South, reflecting a broader trend of state creation and boundary adjustments aimed at addressing long-standing ethnic, administrative, and developmental aspirations within Nigeria. The commitment from the highest levels of the Senate, coupled with presidential administration support, suggests that this long-discussed aspiration is moving closer to becoming a reality.
