Traditional rulers and stakeholders in Delta North, on Friday, reaffirmed their support for Anioma State creation, warning against divisive politics that could derail the realization of long-standing agitation.
They made their stand known at the maiden meeting of the Technical Committee on the Creation of Anioma State, held at the palace of the Obuzor of Ibusa in Oshimili North LGA of Delta.
Chairman of the committee and Obuzor of Ibusa, Obi Louis Nwaoboshi, said the agitation for the creation of Anioma dated back to 1980.
Nwaoboshi explained that the movement had been sustained by different stakeholders over the years, whenever opportunities arose under successive governments.
“It is worth stating that in 2025, our illustrious son, Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Anioma, spotted the opportunity and acted immediately by presenting a bill in the Senate.
“The bill seeks the creation of Anioma State, with Headquarters in Asaba.”
“This is a constitutional process, which we, the technical committee, are objectively piloting to fruition,” Nwaoboshi said.
He further said: “A commendable achievement has already been recorded, but the obnoxious politics being exhibited by some of our sons and daughters is worrisome.
”Politicizing the state creation movement under our watch is unacceptable and must be condemned.
“We are, therefore, here today to articulate ways and means of redirecting the ship of the movement to achieve the predetermined objectives.
”The focus of all stakeholders should shift from partisan politics to our age-long dream of our own state – Anioma.”
Nwaoboshi further said that the demand for Anioma State predated current social media debates, tracing its root to historical injustices, dating back to 1939.
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He gave credit to the traditional rulers as the pioneers of the struggle.
He recalled that Anioma people were grouped with Benin, following their resistance during the Ekemeku War, in spite their distinct identity with east of the Niger.
Nwaoboshi also emphasized that Anioma represents a collective identity, rather than a platform for division.
He said that the Anioma leaders would soon embark on broader consultations to strengthen a unified voice.
He warned that any individual or group obstructing the creation of Anioma State would be held accountable by history.
He called on political actors in Delta North Senatorial District to eschew actions capable of jeopardizing the ongoing process.
The stakeholders vowed that “anyone who attempts to thwart the project will not be forgiven”.
They cautioned against premature endorsement of political aspirants, ahead of the 2027 elections.
They emphasized their non-partisan role as fathers of all, urging unity among the political class and warning against divisive narratives around the proceedings at the National Assembly.
Also, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Obi Henry Kikachukwu, shed light on recent engagements with the leadership of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Kikachukwu, who is the Second Vice Chairman, Delta Traditional Rulers Council, disclosed that initial uncertainties, including remarks attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, were clarified during consultations.
He said that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, advised proponents to deepen consultations across the region.
He said that no official document suggested any alternative capital outside Asaba, dismissing the claims of relocating the capital as propaganda aimed at weakening the movement.
He maintained that Asaba’s historical role as headquarters of the Royal Niger Company reinforced its position as the proposed capital.
The traditional ruler expressed optimism following assurances from key national leaders, including the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, that the demand was receiving attention at the highest levels.
On his part, the National President of Izu Anioma, Dr Kingsley Ojei, reiterated that the creation of Anioma State remained the most pressing demand of the people.
Ojei recalled that during the 2014/2015 electioneering period, Anioma leaders pursued two key objectives: producing a governor from Delta North and securing the creation of Anioma State.
“Thank God, in 2015, we achieved the first. What remains is the creation of Anioma State.
“In the last two years, the agitation has gained renewed momentum, and we believe that once Anioma State is realized, every other aspiration of our people will fall into place,” he said.
Other speakers at the meeting underscored the need for unity among political leaders in Anioma land in pursuit of the project.
The meeting ended with a resolution to convene a roundtable, involving Sen. Nwoko and former Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, aimed at resolving the current differences between them and presenting a united front.
NAN
