The ongoing political battle over the creation of Anioma State in Delta State took a new twist this week as Senator Ned Nwoko, the representative for Delta North Senatorial District, vowed to shock Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This statement was made during an event in Ogwashi-Uku, Oshimili North Local Government Area, in collaboration with the APC Women Support Group, Rita Daniels Single Parenthood, Girl Child Initiative, and Regina Daniel’s Charity and Development Foundation. Nwoko’s comments are fueling the already heated discussion on the proposed state creation and his relationship with the governor.
The creation of Anioma State, which has been a topic of debate for many years, seems to have reached a critical juncture. Senator Nwoko, a prominent figure in Delta North, expressed his determination to push forward with the proposal despite the opposition he claims to be facing from Governor Oborevwori and his aides. According to Nwoko, Oborevwori had previously informed him that he would not support the creation of Anioma State. However, Nwoko has remained resolute in his mission and vowed that nothing would stop the process from moving forward.
“The idea of creating Anioma State has passed the second reading and is now at a public hearing stage. Afterward, it will return to the Senate for a third reading before being forwarded to the President for assent,” Nwoko said confidently, addressing the gathering.
While the proposal moves through the legislative process, Nwoko took aim at the governor’s aides, accusing them of being anti-Anioma. He alleged that these individuals were primarily concerned with their own selfish interests, fearing the potential political and economic changes that could come with the creation of a new state.
“The aides of the governor are all afraid to see another state created for the Anioma people. Their selfish interests cloud their judgment. But nothing can stop the creation of Anioma State,” Nwoko declared, urging the people of Anioma to remain steadfast and united in their quest for the new state.
Nwoko also reflected on the historical context of the Anioma State struggle, noting that previous political figures from Delta North, such as former Senator Osakwe, Senator Nwaoboshi, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, had been hesitant about supporting the creation of the state. According to Nwoko, these leaders were concerned about losing political power and territory if the state was carved out of the existing Delta State.
He explained that the creation of Anioma State would bring several advantages, including increased political representation with more governors, deputy governors, lawmakers, and better economic opportunities for the people of Anioma. “Creating a new state will bring development. With two governors, two deputy governors, more lawmakers, and more resources, Anioma will benefit immensely from the creation of a new state,” Nwoko argued.
In a move that has stirred the political landscape, Nwoko also revealed why he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the senator, he met with President Bola Tinubu on January 1, 2025, where discussions about the future of Anioma State took center stage. Nwoko claimed that APC leaders were willing to support the creation of Anioma State, but only if he joined their party. He acknowledged that while he had pushed for Anioma State creation during his time in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it was clear that the APC had a better chance of making the project a reality.
“During my meeting with President Tinubu and other APC leaders, they made it clear that for the Anioma State project to be successful, I had to join the APC. If the project was to move forward, it had to be their project,” Nwoko explained.
By joining the APC, Nwoko believes he has positioned himself to garner the necessary support to push the Anioma State project forward, as the party appears to be united in backing the creation of the new state. “All APC members on the committee for Anioma State support its creation. With the President’s backing, I believe the project will be successful,” Nwoko said.
While many people in Delta North are hopeful for the creation of Anioma State, the issue has become a political chess match, with key players trying to position themselves for future power. Nwoko’s support for the APC is seen by some as a strategic move, as he looks to align himself with the party that he believes will give him the best chance to make the project a reality.
However, Nwoko’s remarks also targeted Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, suggesting that the governor may eventually switch to the APC. According to Nwoko, Oborevwori has been making efforts to join the APC, a move that could change the political dynamics in Delta State. “Governor Oborevwori is doing everything possible to join the APC. If he does, there will be competition within the party,” Nwoko predicted.
The senator went on to encourage other politicians in the state to join the APC, saying that the next election cycle would see APC candidates filling key positions such as governor, senators, and members of the House of Representatives. “The next governor, senators, reps, and assembly members in Delta State will all be from the APC. Everyone should join the party now to position themselves for the future,” Nwoko urged.
The drama unfolding in Delta State reflects the broader political shifts occurring across Nigeria. With the nation preparing for future elections, the Anioma State issue is becoming increasingly significant. Nwoko’s push for the creation of Anioma State and his alignment with the APC are indicative of the changing political tides in the region.
The creation of new states has always been a sensitive and contentious issue in Nigeria, as it involves not only the redistribution of resources and political power but also complex ethnic, cultural, and regional considerations. The Anioma State project, which aims to create a state for the Anioma ethnic group in Delta North, has long been a topic of discussion, but it is now gaining momentum in the face of political calculations and strategic alliances.
As Nwoko continues to rally support for Anioma State, the next steps in the process will be crucial. The public hearing and third reading in the Senate will be key moments in determining whether this long-sought-after goal will become a reality. However, with political forces at play and the backing of the APC, Nwoko’s determination to see Anioma State created remains a powerful driving force.
