Tinubu ready to sign bill creating Anioma State if passed — Ned Nwoko

 

 Says 97 Senators back proposal 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is willing to sign into law the Bill seeking to create Anioma State as part of the South East region of the proposal currently at advanced stage in the Senate passes all legislated constitutional hurdles, says Senator Ned Nwoko who is championing the cause.

Speaking at the Izu Anioma Towns Union’s cultural festival in Abuja, at the weekend,  Senator Nwoko (Delta North), revealed that 97 senators have already endorsed the creation of the proposed state — a development he described as “unprecedented in Nigeria’s state-creation history.”

Nwoko, who serves as Patron of the Union, said he first introduced the bill two years ago, proposing the creation of Anioma from the nine local government areas of Delta North — four in Aniocha and Oshimili, two in Ika, and three in Ndokwa. He added that neighbouring communities such as Igbanke have also shown interest in joining the new state.

“Only one state will be created in Nigeria, and that one state will be Anioma,” Nwoko declared, noting that his bill prescribes the creation of only a single new state nationwide.

According to him, both the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment — which include representatives from all states — have agreed that the South-East geopolitical zone should be brought to parity with others by adding a sixth state, with Anioma emerging as the most viable and legally sound option.

Nwoko further stated that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu have given their full backing to the process.

“We have done our homework. A lot of lobbying, contacts, and consultations are ongoing. Nothing is being left undone,” he said.

He also disclosed plans for a regional adoption meeting in Awka, Anambra State, next weekend, where governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and Anioma leaders will formally endorse Anioma as the preferred candidate for state creation in the South-East.

Describing the constitutional amendment committees as “the most important in the country,” Nwoko said their endorsement represents a major breakthrough for the Anioma cause, which dates as far back as 1954.

He outlined the next procedural steps, including documentation to the Presidency, concurrence by state assemblies and governors, and ultimately, a national referendum where residents will affirm their desire for the new state.

Upon completion of these processes, he said, President Tinubu will sign the state-creation instrument in a “momentous” ceremony.

If approved, Anioma State will become one of two states in the new Delta region, with Asaba as its capital even as Nwoko urged the Anioma people to remain united and prayerful as the struggle enters its decisive phase.

Earlier, Chief Barr. Luke Enelichi, President of the Izu Anioma Towns Union, said the demand for Anioma State transcends politics, describing it as a quest for “justice, balance, and recognition.”

He stressed that despite the Anioma people’s immense contributions to Delta State and Nigeria at large, they still lack a state that reflects their identity and aspirations.

Enelichi appealed to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to support the long-awaited dream, saying it would bring governance closer to the people, ensure equitable representation, and promote balanced development.

“We are one Anioma — from Aniocha to Ndokwa, from Ika to Oshimili,” he declared.