IKOT EKPENE/Nigeria: Participants at the Senate Constitution Review Committee’s public hearing on Friday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, delivered a powerful and unified message: Anioma State must be created. In what became a historic and emotionally charged gathering, voices from across Delta North and beyond rose in unison to demand long-overdue statehood for the Anioma people.
Though multiple constitutional amendment bills were up for discussion, it was the proposal for the creation of Anioma State that electrified the hall. When Senator Seriake Dickson, South-South Chairman of the Committee, asked if there were objections to the bill, the hall erupted in thunderous “No!” chants, signaling total endorsement. Cheers, chants, and cultural dances followed, turning the hearing into a celebration of cultural identity and political aspiration.
Over half of the attendees were Anioma indigenes and supporters, many having traveled across states, to witness what they called an “epoch-making moment.” From elected officials and traditional rulers to civil society leaders, women, and youths, the call for Anioma State was loud, unified, and resolute.
“Anioma State is not just a constitutional demand, it is a demand for justice, for cultural identity, and for political inclusion,” said Hon. Somadina Anwasia from Oshimili South. “Everyone from Anioma who spoke did so with one voice.”
Senator Ned Nwoko, the sponsor of the bill and a prominent figure in the campaign for Anioma State, was hailed as a relentless advocate. “This is a defining moment for our people,” he said. “We have crossed every hurdle, from documentation to consensus. The voice of Anioma echoed clearly.”
He expressed gratitude to the traditional rulers, youth leaders, and professionals who turned out in support, describing their unity as a force that strengthens the mandate he carries.
Supporters hailed Senator Nwoko as a visionary. “If you can dream it and are willing to fight for it, nothing is impossible,” he told the crowd.
The benefits of a new state were underscored by multiple speakers. They pointed to better governance, job creation, infrastructure development, and cultural preservation. Dr. Leroy Edozien, an APC stalwart from Delta State, declared, “After more than five decades of advocacy, Anioma’s moment is finally here.”
High Chief Lucky Ikukaiwe of the Ndokwa Neku Union added, “The Ndokwa people stand united in this call. Anioma State is our collective aspiration.”
Legal expert and community leader Tony Ogana emphasized that the agitation predates Nigeria’s independence. “We’ve been asking for Anioma State since 1954. It’s time the Senate responded.”
From a human rights standpoint, Dr. Omenazu Jackson of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights described the demand as “a petition for equity and a plea for justice.” He cited Anioma’s population of over 2.4 million, its natural resources, agricultural strength, and educated populace as reasons it meets all requirements for statehood.
“Anioma is not begging,” he said. “We are offering ourselves as a productive partner in the Nigerian project. Creating Anioma State is not only constitutional, but it is also economically wise and morally right.”
As the hearing came to a close, one truth became evident: the call for Anioma State is no longer a plea, it is a declaration. With unity, history, and purpose behind them, the Anioma people have drawn the line in the sand, declaring that their time is now.
