Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated emphatically that the push for the creation of Anioma State transcends political interests.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, the lawmaker declared that the demand for Anioma State is a generational mandate driven by identity, justice, and cultural survival.
“This has absolutely nothing to do with APC or PDP,” Nwoko emphasized. “The Anioma people have always preserved a distinct sense of self, regardless of administrative boundaries. The call for Anioma State is rooted in equity, historical justice, and the right to self-determination.”
Nwoko, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, explained that the movement for Anioma State is based on clear and justifiable parameters such as population strength, economic viability, cultural cohesion, linguistic identity, and historical heritage.
“It’s disappointing that some individuals have chosen to politicize the creation of Anioma State, framing it as a political struggle rather than a people’s quest for recognition,” he said. “That’s a narrow-minded view that clearly disconnects from the enthusiasm and hope of the Anioma people, who now see a chance for long-awaited emancipation.”
The senator made it clear that although he did not initiate the movement, he is fully committed to completing it. According to him, the advocacy for Anioma State dates back over 50 years, pioneered by visionary leaders like Chief Dennis Osadebay—the first Premier of the old Midwest State—who coined the term “Anioma” to represent the Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili ethnic groups.
“Osadebay’s vision was never political,” Nwoko noted. “Anioma literally means ‘good land’ or ‘land of the good.’ It was always about heritage, culture, and identity—not about party lines.”
Nwoko acknowledged other prominent figures who advanced the Anioma cause, including George Orewa, Senator Nosike Ikpo, the late Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Chike Edozien, and former Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Benjamin Elue, who presented a paper on the subject at the 2014 National Conference convened by then-President Goodluck Jonathan.
“These patriots didn’t campaign under any political banner. Their mission was national integration through cultural recognition,” he explained.
Addressing speculation about personal ambition, Nwoko clarified that he has no interest in becoming the first governor of a future Anioma State. “So what are the opponents really afraid of?” he asked. “Whose interests are they defending?”
He went on to reveal that the current push for Anioma State has widespread support, including traditional institutions and political stakeholders across party lines. “We have the blessing of revered royal fathers like the new Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, as well as endorsements from politicians, community leaders, and citizens across ethnic groups.”
Nwoko also disclosed that the bid has garnered backing from approximately 85 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and received a strong signal of support from the Presidency.
He condemned the absence of dissenting voices at the recent public hearings on state creation, held in Uyo and Enugu on July 4 and 5. “Those who oppose Anioma State creation lacked the courage to present their case publicly,” he said. “Their silence confirmed that the demand is overwhelmingly popular and feasible.”
He described the public hearings as a historic milestone, declaring them “a resounding success” for the Anioma cause.
“Let’s be clear: this is not about secession. It’s about acknowledgment, inclusion, and fairness,” he asserted. “Anioma State is a dream whose time has come. It’s a unifying cause, not a divisive one.”
Nwoko warned that any attempt to obstruct the creation of Anioma State would be futile. “This movement is like a moving train. It will not stop for fear or opposition. It’s grounded in cultural uniqueness, shared values, and national contribution. It is bigger than any individual or party. It is our collective destiny.”
He concluded with a call for unity: “Now is the time to come together. A house divided cannot stand. Let’s rise above politics and bring this dream to reality.”
