…Urge Delta North senatorial aspirants to support state creation drive
By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — The Technical Committee for the Creation of Anioma State, comprising traditional rulers and stakeholders, has described the proposed creation of Anioma State as critical to the future development of Delta North Senatorial District.
The committee also urged all aspirants for the Delta North Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections to set aside personal ambitions and unite behind the campaign for the creation of the proposed state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the committee said all constitutional processes required for the creation of the state had been followed, including the introduction of the bill and a successful public hearing.
The statement was jointly signed by the Obuzor of Ibusa, Obi Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi; Secretary of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, Sir Prince Clement Okonjo; the Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Obi Afamefuna Kikachukwu; the Obi of Ugbodu, Obi (Oloza) Ayo Isinyemeze; National President of Izu Anioma, Dr. Kingsley Ojie; and Patrick O. Okenyi of Odu Oma Club.
Titled “Anioma State Creation: Key to Delta North Senatorial District Future Development,” the statement called on Anioma traditional rulers, political leaders and other interest groups to play more active roles in promoting the state creation campaign and fostering greater political unity.
According to the committee, the agitation for the creation of Anioma State has evolved over several decades, tracing its roots to the struggle for greater political recognition for the Igbo-speaking communities west of the River Niger.
It noted that the adoption of the name Anioma at a rally held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, in 1980 gave the movement a distinct identity and strengthened its campaign for statehood.
The committee argued that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states, saying this has resulted in political imbalance and unequal representation.
It recalled that previous administrations had acknowledged the issue and that efforts were made to address it through proposals for the creation of an additional state in the South-East.
The stakeholders commended the sponsor of the Anioma State creation bill, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, for advancing the proposal in the National Assembly.
According to the statement, the committee’s assessment of the state creation process indicates that significant constitutional milestones have been achieved, including the successful public hearing on the bill.
It, however, expressed concern that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections could distract from the campaign for the creation of the proposed state.
The committee maintained that the creation of Anioma State would expand political representation and create additional opportunities for the people of the area.
It therefore appealed to political leaders and aspirants in Delta North to support the initiative, stressing that unity among stakeholders would improve the prospects of achieving the long-standing objective.
The committee also urged Anioma leaders and interest groups to promote inclusive politics and discourage divisive tendencies in pursuit of the state creation campaign.
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