ASABA/Nigeria: The long-standing demand for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in Nigeria’s South East gathered renewed momentum on Tuesday as a broad-based coalition of Anioma indigenes intensified advocacy for the project, describing it as overdue and critical to the political, economic and cultural advancement of the people.
The fresh push, marked by a massive peaceful solidarity march and formal engagement with the Delta State Government in Asaba, also drew assurances from state authorities that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not opposed to the aspiration of the Anioma people.
Operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Anioma People in Support of the Bill for Anioma State Creation, the group, drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, formally presented a letter to the Delta State Government. The coalition comprises indigenes of Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani.
In the letter addressed to Governor Oborevwori, the coalition affirmed that the Anioma people are ancestrally, culturally and linguistically Igbo, stressing that their quest for statehood and zoning to the South East is rooted in history, shared identity and internationally recognised rights, including provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The group argued that excising Anioma from the present Delta State and the South South geopolitical zone would enable its people to better protect and advance their collective interests within the South East, where they share deep historical, linguistic and cultural affinities.
It maintained that the proposed Anioma State would neither diminish Delta State nor threaten inter-ethnic harmony, expressing confidence that both states would coexist peacefully as neighbours while cooperating productively for mutual development.
To demonstrate popular support, Anioma youths and stakeholders embarked on a peaceful march from Inter-Bua to the Delta State Government House, Asaba, with participants from across the nine local government areas carrying placards and banners bearing messages such as “Anioma State is long overdue,” “Anioma people are happy to unite with our Igbo brothers in the South East,” and “Anioma as the sixth Eastern State.”
Other placards highlighted solidarity beyond Delta North, declaring support from Anioma-speaking communities in Edo State, including Igbanke, Iruo, Owa, Riuzo and Ute Ohaeze, while reinforcing calls for Anioma State with Asaba as its capital.
Driving the renewed agitation is a bill sponsored at the National Assembly by the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko. The coalition commended the senator’s legislative leadership, noting that the bill has continued to attract goodwill and bipartisan support across the National Assembly, reflecting growing national acceptance of the Anioma cause.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ayo Ashiedu, President of the Anioma Movement for the Emancipation of Anioma Nation and President of the Anioma Pastors’ Forum, described the creation of Anioma State as fundamental to the identity, dignity and future of the people. He said statehood would correct historical anomalies, deepen political inclusion and accelerate development anchored on shared culture and values.
Describing the proposal as a win-win arrangement, Anioma youths said Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of the new state, while Delta State would be free to designate a new capital. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to support the bill, reaffirming their resolve to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.
They further appealed to the Delta State Government to lend moral and political support to the bill at the national level, stressing the strategic role of governors in advancing state creation initiatives.
Responding on behalf of the Delta State Government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, received the coalition’s letter and addressed the protesters at the Government House gate, assuring them that the Oborevwori administration harbours no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
Prince Erijo commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the march, describing it as evidence of maturity, responsibility and genuine commitment to the cause. He disclosed that the governor had been fully briefed on the engagement and had directed him to listen carefully to the concerns of the group.
According to him, the agitation for Anioma State was neither misplaced nor improperly articulated and deserved sincere consideration. He reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic choice, the rule of law and the expressed will of the people, noting that leadership had a duty to respond to genuine aspirations, adding that “no earthly father would give a stone to a child who asks for bread.”
Outlining the constitutional process for state creation, Prince Erijo explained that it requires petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration and the conduct of a referendum across the affected areas. He said such a referendum would cover all Anioma-speaking local government areas, including Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa East and West, Ukwuani, as well as other interested enclaves such as Igbanke in Edo State.
He assured the protesters that once a referendum is conducted and a majority of the people express their desire for Anioma State, that decision would be respected. Reiterating that Governor Oborevwori is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, Prince Erijo urged unity among Anioma people, noting that a common and clearly defined position would strengthen the agitation and eliminate conflicting voices.
