IKOT EKPENE/Nigeria: With a powerful display of unity and historic resolve, the people of Delta North Senatorial District on Friday made an unequivocal demand for the creation of Anioma State as Nigeria’s 37th federating unit. Their collective voice echoed through the chambers of the Ikot Ekpene venue of the South-South public hearing on constitutional review, hosted by the 10th Senate.
The creation of Anioma State, proposed in a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), has gained massive momentum in recent months. That momentum reached its most impactful moment yet as community leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and legal practitioners converged at the constitutional hearing chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The hearing, which also deliberated on other key issues such as local government autonomy, gender equality, and electoral reforms, was dominated by calls for the recognition of Anioma. According to Senate President Akpabio, the session, attended by thousands across the South-South region, was organized to ensure “the voices of the people are heard” in shaping the future of the Nigerian federation.
An overwhelming volume of memoranda in support of Anioma State was submitted by prominent figures and cultural organizations. Traditional rulers under the leadership of HRM Obi Afamefuna Henry Kikachukwu, Obi of Ubulu-Uno and 2nd Vice-Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, strongly declared the royal institution’s full backing. “Anioma is long overdue. This agitation is the oldest in Nigeria’s history, dating back 71 years to colonial times,” Obi Kikachukwu stated.
Backing from civil society was no less emphatic. Dr. Omenazu Jackson, representing over 100 groups under the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, argued that creating Anioma would serve justice, promote national healing, and address the long-ignored horrors of the 1960s Anioma genocide. Legal practitioner Barrister Tony Ogana echoed this view in a detailed memorandum validating the renewed push.
Pastor Nwachukwu Ugbekile James, speaking for the Igbanke community in Edo State, called for their inclusion in the proposed state, citing shared cultural and genealogical heritage with the Anioma people. Voices from across Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, and Ika communities also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Senator Nwoko for reigniting the Anioma cause with what they described as “unmatched passion and legislative clarity.”
