Senator Ned Nwoko: Anioma State Creation Is a Struggle for Equity and Identity
Not a Political Agenda, but a Cultural Mission
Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North) has emphasized that the campaign for the creation of Anioma State is not driven by political interests but is a longstanding quest rooted in cultural identity, justice, and fairness.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwoko, who chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said Anioma State creation is a generational pursuit tied to the people’s heritage and survival.
“It has nothing to do with APC or PDP politics,” Nwoko said. “Anioma has always had a strong cultural identity, regardless of administrative boundaries. This movement is about self-determination, not politics.”
He added that the agitation has broad-based support from communities across Delta North, cutting across party lines and ethnic affiliations.
Anioma’s Viability as a State
Nwoko stated that Anioma meets all key criteria for state creation in Nigeria:
Population size
Economic potential
Cultural and linguistic unity
Historical identity
“It was therefore a huge surprise and disappointment that some are politicising the movement, misrepresenting it as a struggle for political gain,” he said. “This myopic thinking ignores the clear enthusiasm of the Anioma people.”
The 50-Year-Old Dream of Anioma State
Origins of the Struggle
Senator Nwoko reminded Nigerians that the push for Anioma State dates back over five decades.
“This movement didn’t start with me,” he said. “It was pioneered by Chief Dennis Osadebay, the first Premier of the Midwest Region, who even coined the name ‘Anioma’ a unification of Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili peoples.”
Other prominent advocates have included:
George Orewa
Senator Nosike Ikpo
HRM Prof. Chike Edozien (late Asagba of Asaba)
Sir Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor of Delta State
Elue notably presented a detailed case for Anioma’s creation at the 2014 National Conference under President Goodluck Jonathan.
“None of these patriots pursued Anioma as a political movement,” Nwoko emphasized. “It was always about cultural destiny and justice.”
Support from Royalty, Lawmakers, and the Presidency
According to Nwoko, the renewed campaign enjoys backing from:
Prof. Epiphany Azinge, current Asagba of Asaba
HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor
Other traditional rulers
Politicians across party lines
Over 85 senators in the National Assembly
Senior figures within the Presidency
“This is not a divisive movement,” Nwoko said. “It’s a call for recognition, not separation.”
He also dismissed claims that he is pushing the agenda to become the first governor of Anioma State.
“I have no such ambition. The struggle is bigger than me. It is for the people.”
Public Hearing Signals Popular Support
Historic Hearings in Uyo and Enugu
Nwoko revealed that the public hearings held on July 4 and 5 in Uyo and Enugu were a significant win for the Anioma cause.
“Not a single voice of dissent was heard. The support was unanimous and overwhelming,” he said. “Those against Anioma State creation couldn’t even show up publicly. That tells you everything.”
A United Front for Progress
Nwoko warned that attempts to politicize the movement are futile.
“This is a moving train. Any attempt to obstruct it will be crushed by the collective will of the people,” he declared. “It’s time to put aside petty politics and support a vision that represents unity, justice, and cultural recognition.”
He urged all stakeholders to stand together:
“Anioma State is not about division. It’s about contributing our unique culture and values to the larger Nigerian project. A house divided cannot stand. This is our moment.”
