By George Ozalla
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has openly endorsed the proposed creation of Anioma State, declaring that the long-standing agitation has now received significant political backing at the national level.
Akpabio made this known while addressing party stakeholders at the South-South zonal congress of the All Progressives Congress held in Asaba, where he reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly of Nigeria to advancing the proposal through the constitutional process.
He explained that once the creation of Anioma State is successfully approved, Asaba would serve as the capital of the new state, while Warri would be designated as the capital of the remaining Delta State. According to him, the proposed arrangement is intended to ensure administrative balance and reflect emerging political and economic realities within the region.
The Senate President noted that the agitation for Anioma State is not a recent development but one rooted in decades of political advocacy by the people of Delta North, who have consistently called for a distinct administrative structure that reflects their identity and developmental aspirations. He said the 10th Senate is giving serious legislative attention to the demand, with growing support among lawmakers across party lines.
Akpabio further stated that the proposal aligns with broader national objectives aimed at deepening federalism, improving governance, and bringing government closer to the people. He stressed that state creation, when properly executed, has the potential to address issues of marginalisation, accelerate infrastructure development, and create new economic opportunities for local populations.
On the choice of Warri as the proposed capital of Delta State, Akpabio pointed to its longstanding status as a commercial hub in the Niger Delta, highlighting its strategic advantages, including the presence of oil and gas installations, an operational airport, access to maritime routes, and a concentration of industrial and economic activities. He maintained that these factors position Warri as a viable administrative centre capable of driving the affairs of a restructured Delta State.
The Senate President also acknowledged the role of key political figures in sustaining the Anioma State campaign, particularly Ned Nwoko, who has been at the forefront of renewed legislative efforts to push the proposal within the National Assembly. He noted that sustained advocacy and legislative engagement remain critical to achieving constitutional approval for the new state.
The renewed push for Anioma State comes amid ongoing national conversations around restructuring and equitable representation, with several regions advancing similar demands for state creation. While the process remains complex and requires constitutional amendments, including approval by both the National Assembly and state legislatures, Akpabio’s endorsement signals a significant boost for the Anioma cause.
Anioma State, if created, would be carved out of the present Delta State to cater primarily to the Delta North senatorial district, a region with distinct cultural and political identity within the South-South geopolitical zone.
