…Stakeholders Laud Sen. Ned Nwoko’s patriotism

In a show of unity and historic resolve, the people of Delta North Senatorial District have renewed their call for the creation of Anioma State as Nigeria’s 37th state. This overwhelming demand formed the highlight of a constitutional review public hearing hosted by the 10th Senate of the National Assembly on Friday in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The hearing, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, witnessed a massive turnout from across the South-South geopolitical zone, including traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society organizations, and political stakeholders. The bill for the creation of Anioma State, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, served as the centerpiece of deliberations, ahead of other pressing issues such as local government autonomy and gender equality.

Senator Akpabio affirmed the Senate’s commitment to inclusive governance, stating that the public hearing was held “to ensure that the voices of the people are heard” as part of the ongoing constitutional review process.

The demand for Anioma State received a flood of support through memoranda and public submissions. Leading the charge was HRM Obi Afamefuna Henry Kikachukwu, the Obi of Ubulu-Uno and 2nd Vice Chairman of the Delta Traditional Rulers Council, who declared unanimous support from Anioma royal fathers. He emphasized that Anioma has remained Nigeria’s oldest state creation agitation, dating back 71 years to the colonial era.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, coordinator of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, speaking on behalf of over 100 civil society and cultural groups, said Anioma State would promote equity and address long-standing grievances, particularly those stemming from the Anioma genocide during the Nigerian Civil War.

Legal practitioner Barr. Tony Ogana also submitted a memorandum in support of the state’s creation, while Pastor Nwachukwu Ugbekile James of the Akikuwa Cultural Initiative called for the inclusion of the Igbanke community in Edo State due to ancestral ties with Anioma.

Stakeholders from constituent parts of Aniocha/Oshimili, Ndokwa/Ukwuani, and Ika expressed deep appreciation to Senator Ned Nwoko for what they described as “unprecedented passion and commitment” to the Anioma cause.

High-profile attendees included Senator Seriake Dickson, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, and the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, who represented Governor Umo Eno.

Simultaneously, a similar Senate public hearing was held in Enugu, where support for Anioma State was also robust. HRM Chukwuwike Charles Anyasi III, the Obi of Idumuje-Unor, led Delta North traditional rulers in making compelling arguments for Anioma’s inclusion in the national map. The Enugu session was chaired by Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, with Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso, Victor Umeh, and others in attendance.

A delegation representing Senator Ned Nwoko, including Dr. Michael Nwoko, Chief Godfrey Odogwu, Dr. Chris Okoba, Barr. Eugene Uzum, and other members of the Anioma Technical Committee, also made a strong case at both hearings.

As Nigeria contemplates a new wave of constitutional reforms, the Anioma people are hopeful that their long-standing quest for identity, unity, and historical justice will finally receive national endorsement.