ABUJA/Nigeria: Chief Emmanuel Afam Eboh, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Policy Adviser to Senator Ned Nwoko, has debunked online rumours alleging that Asaba may be replaced as the capital of the proposed Anioma State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Eboh described the speculation as “fake news manufactured by mischief-makers,” insisting that the Anioma State Creation Bill sponsored by Senator Nwoko “clearly and unequivocally” designates Asaba as the capital. He stressed that at no point was any alternative considered or discussed.
According to him, those circulating the rumour are “grossly ignorant of the lawmaking process,” noting that once a bill is introduced, its provisions cannot be arbitrarily altered. “The legislation stands sacrosanct and irreversible,” he said, adding that those behind the falsehood “will soon be exposed.”
Eboh condemned the rumour as “the most sinister and mischievous propaganda ever concocted against the renewed push for Anioma State,” accusing political detractors of attempting to undermine the collective aspirations of the Anioma people.
Reaffirming Senator Nwoko’s commitment, he said the lawmaker has always regarded Asaba as both the heartbeat of Delta State and the “irrefutable headquarters” of the proposed Anioma State. He added that Nwoko’s advocacy aligns with a 70-year agitation championed by Anioma forebears.
Eboh urged residents of Asaba, Delta North and the wider public to disregard the misinformation, emphasising Senator Nwoko’s cordial relationship with the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge.
He highlighted recent interventions by the senator to strengthen Asaba’s development, including his call for the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba into a full-fledged university, as well as efforts to rehabilitate the Asaba–Onitsha road.
“These initiatives reflect Senator Nwoko’s unwavering commitment to consolidating Asaba’s growth as Delta’s capital today and Anioma’s headquarters tomorrow,” Eboh said.
He appealed for continued support from the people of Delta North, insisting that the creation of Anioma State would bring widespread benefits.
“Senator Ned Nwoko remains resolute and focused in his push for the creation of Anioma State with Asaba as the capital,” he concluded.
