Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, has reaffirmed his commitment to the creation of Anioma as a new state, emphasizing that Anioma people are proudly Igbo and deserve recognition as the sixth state in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Nwoko highlighted the historical marginalization of the Southeast, noting that it remains the only region with just five states, while other regions have six or more. Nwoko argued that creating Anioma State would serve as an important step in redressing this imbalance, potentially adding either a seventh state to the South-South or a sixth to the Southeast.
“The creation of Anioma State is essential for self-determination,” Nwoko said. “My constituency spans nine local government areas, six of which are oil and gas-producing, yet our region still suffers from pollution and neglect. We Aniomas are Igbos at heart and have campaigned for this state for over 50 years.”
Nwoko explained that the move would address longstanding Igbo grievances related to state representation. “The Igbo people have been marginalized with fewer states, and this imbalance fuels the frustrations voiced by youth in movements like IPOB and ESN,” he said. “Having Anioma State as the sixth Southeast or seventh South-South state would show that the Federal Government is listening to us.”
As a leading advocate for Anioma State, Nwoko asserted that his focus remains on the welfare of his constituents and greater representation for the Igbo people, rather than personal political ambition.
