ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called for calm following fresh tension triggered by rumours surrounding the proposed creation of Anioma State and speculation that Asaba may not be considered as its capital.
Addressing the concerns on Monday, the Governor, through his Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo, told a crowd of Asaba indigenes who marched peacefully to Government House that decisions on state creation and capital designation are matters strictly governed by constitutional procedures and the collective will of the people. Erijo, who represented the Governor, commended the protesters for their orderly demonstration, describing it as a reflection of the unified position of the Asaba community.
Oborevwori stressed that no individual or group possesses the authority to unilaterally determine the capital of a proposed state, noting that such a decision requires a structured constitutional process, including memoranda, legislative consideration, and even a referendum of the people of Delta North. He assured the demonstrators that their concerns had been fully noted and would be treated with seriousness.
The Governor disclosed that legislative caucus members and local government chairmen from Delta North had already convened and unanimously rejected any suggestion to move the proposed state capital away from Asaba. He described Asaba as a rapidly growing, secure and strategically located city that continues to attract people from across the Niger, adding that any decision on Anioma State would be rooted in fairness and the people’s collective interest.
“The government will not act against the will and aspirations of the people. At the right time, the collective voice of Delta North will determine every step,” he assured.
Earlier, spokesperson for the protesters, Chike Ifesiokwu, said the demonstration was prompted by reports of an alleged attempt to strip Asaba of its place as the proposed state capital. He condemned the idea as retrogressive and divisive, insisting that Asaba’s history, political relevance and strategic significance make it irreplaceable.
He referenced the city’s pedigree, noting that Asaba has produced prominent national figures including a former Acting Governor-General of Nigeria, the country’s first Senate President, the Premier of the old Mid-West Region and a judge of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal. He described any suggestion of relocating the capital to “a glorified village” as an insult to the people.
Ifesiokwu accused proponents of the idea of being driven by transient political influence and vowed that Asaba people would resist any attempt to undermine their identity or collective interest. He highlighted Asaba’s rise as a peaceful, cosmopolitan and fast-growing city that draws people from across the Southeast and beyond.
Commending Oborevwori as a pragmatic leader committed to the progress of Delta State, he urged the Chief of Staff to convey the community’s solidarity to the Governor. He added that while Asaba people remain peaceful, they are prepared to mobilise fully to defend their rightful position.
