By Musa Baba Adamu
The Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko said that no fewer than 97 senators and president Bola Tinubu were backing the creation of Anioma State.
Nwoko stated at the Izu Anioma Towns Union event in Abuja, where the first Anioma Cultural Festival (Anioma Day) was unveiled.
According to him, the move has gained significant traction following overwhelming legislative support and regional consensus.
The lawmaker further noted that the bill, which he first introduced two years ago, seeks to carve Anioma from the nine local government areas of Delta North, four in Aniocha, Oshimili, two in Ika, and three in Ndokwa.
Some neighbouring communities, including Igbanke, have also indicated interest in joining the proposed state.
The senator described the current level of support as unprecedented in Nigeria’s state creation history.
“Only one state will be created in Nigeria, and that one state will be Anioma,” he said.
He added that the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment, which include representatives from every state, have agreed that the South-East should be given a sixth state to achieve regional balance.
He said Anioma remains the strongest and most viable option before the committees, adding that the initiative has received the backing of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu, who has pledged his full support once constitutional requirements are met.
“We have done our homework. A lot of lobbying, contacts, and consultations are ongoing. Nothing is being left undone,” Nwoko stated.
