Senator Ned Nwoko has reiterated his commitment to the creation of Anioma State, declaring that its realization would not only fulfill a long-standing aspiration of the people but also address the issue of marginalization of the Igbo ethnic group in Nigeria’s political structure.
Speaking on the agitation for Anioma State, Nwoko said: “We the Aniomas are Igbos. We will be the 6th Ndigbo state. We are getting support from the South East states.
“Ibos have been crying of marginalization. It’s the only zone with five states. Others are six while North West is seven. Isn’t that marginalization? What are the youths clamouring for? It’s marginalization. Creating Anioma State will solve the problem of marginalization.”
The Delta North lawmaker, who represents nine local government areas in the Senate, emphasized that the call for Anioma State is rooted in self-determination and equity.
“Anioma State creation is for self-determination. I represent nine local government areas. Out of the nine, six are oil and gas producing. We are predominantly agrarian. To have a state is something our ancestors have been clamouring for over 50 years,” he said.
According to Nwoko, the Anioma people share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with the Igbo, making the proposed state a natural extension of the South East region.
He noted that the imbalance in the number of states per geopolitical zone has long placed the South East at a disadvantage in terms of political representation and federal allocation.
The senator added that the creation of Anioma State would bring inclusivity, development, and justice to the Igbo-speaking people of Delta State while strengthening national unity.
Nwoko’s renewed call comes amid ongoing debates about state creation and restructuring, with several regions across the country pushing for administrative and political realignment to ensure fairness and representation.
