Anioma State Push Is Beyond Politics, It’s a Social and Economic Imperative — Nwoko
By Austin Oyibode
ASABA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko has declared that the campaign for the creation of Anioma State is not merely a political pursuit, but a social and economic necessity, as he intensified efforts to realize what he described as a unifying dream for Delta North.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Leadership Newspaper, Nwoko described the movement as a rallying cry for justice, unity, and rapid development. His call comes as the agitation for Anioma State gains unprecedented momentum, buoyed by a major political realignment in Delta State.
At a rally in Agbor, thousands of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), largely from the influential Delta Unity Group (DUG), defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling growing grassroots support for the Anioma cause. The event drew national political figures, including APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“The most important thing is the boost the APC received under the national chairman’s leadership,” Nwoko said. “The defection of thousands from Delta North shows how serious our people are about change and progress.”
Nwoko emphasized that the movement transcends party affiliation, framing the push for Anioma State as a historical correction of injustice and a revival of the cultural pride suppressed during Nigeria’s Civil War.
“Our people were massacred during the Civil War. In places like Asaba and Ishiagu, families were torn apart,” he recalled. “Many suppressed their roots to survive. Creating Anioma State will allow us to reclaim our heritage and heal from that trauma.”
Positioning the campaign as a move towards national equity, Nwoko argued that Anioma State would introduce new territory, resources, and genuine representation to Nigeria’s federal structure.
“This is not just a political cause, it’s a social and economic necessity,” he stressed.
The senator also praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to the region, citing the inclusion of two major dam projects worth nearly N30 billion for Delta North in the 2025 federal budget.
“This wouldn’t have happened under the PDP,” Nwoko said. “President Tinubu made a promise—and he delivered. That’s the kind of leadership we need to make Anioma State a reality.”
Looking ahead, Nwoko expressed confidence in Anioma’s economic viability, pointing to the region’s abundant oil, gas, and mineral wealth as assets that could drive prosperity.
“This is our time,” Nwoko declared. “One people, one dream. Anioma State is not just possible, it’s inevitable. This is our moment of restitution, a chance to rewrite our history and secure our future.”
