BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
Senator Ned Nwoko has responded to growing concerns from constituents and stakeholders over the decision to hold the South-South public hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, instead of Asaba, Delta State—the heart of the Anioma region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the senator representing Delta North acknowledged that the choice of Uyo over Asaba had raised legitimate questions, particularly given Asaba’s cultural and symbolic relevance to the Anioma cause.
“I, too, would have strongly preferred Asaba as the host city,” Senator Nwoko stated. “Not only for its symbolic significance but also to enable easier and fuller participation of our people in this critical constitutional process.”
However, he clarified that the decision was not within his control, as the venue was determined by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
The committee, he said, adopted a zonal framework for the public hearings, designating one state per geopolitical zone as the host location. Uyo was selected for the South-South region.
Other designated venues across the country include Enugu for the South-East, Lagos for the South-West, Bauchi for the North-East, Minna for the North-Central, and Kaduna for the North-West.
“This arrangement is aimed at streamlining logistics, ensuring adequate security, and facilitating regional representation — even though it may not always serve the local sensitivities of specific communities like ours,” the senator explained.
Despite the venue setback, Nwoko reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the campaign for Anioma State, emphasizing that the demand is rooted in justice, equity, and historical identity.
He urged Anioma indigenes to participate actively in the hearing, which he described as a crucial opportunity to press the case for state creation.
“I will be present in Uyo to speak clearly and forcefully on behalf of Anioma,” he pledged. “Our presence and unified voice will send a clear and compelling message to the nation.”
Senator Nwoko concluded his statement with a call for continued unity and determination, expressing confidence that with persistent engagement, the dream of Anioma State will become a reality.
The push for Anioma State, which would be carved out of Delta State, is part of broader constitutional discussions aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s federal framework and addressing long-standing demands for greater representation and autonomy across regions.
READ FULL STATEMENT
WHY THE ANIOMA STATE PUBLIC HEARING IS HOLDING IN UYO, NOT ASABA
My dear constituents, fellow Deltans, and the great people of Anioma,
I have received, with deep respect, the many questions, concerns, and observations regarding the venue of the South-South public hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State — particularly why it is being held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, rather than Asaba, the capital of Delta State and the heart of Anioma land.
Let me begin by affirming that your concerns are completely valid. I, too, would have strongly preferred Asaba as the host city — not only for its symbolic significance but also to enable easier and fuller participation of our people in this critical constitutional process.
However, the choice of venue was not made by me or by any single state actor. It was a decision taken by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, which functions independently of regional or state-specific preferences.
For this round of constitutional review public hearings, the committee adopted a zonal approach by selecting one state from each of the six geopolitical zones to serve as central venues. For example:
• Enugu will host the South-East,
• Lagos will host the South-West,
• Uyo will host the South-South,
• Bauchi will host the North-East,
• Minna will host the North-Central,
• and Kaduna will host the North-West.
This arrangement is aimed at streamlining logistics, ensuring adequate security, and facilitating regional representation — even though it may not always serve the local sensitivities of specific communities like ours.
Still, this does not in any way reduce the urgency, legitimacy, or justice of our demand for the creation of Anioma State. Our cause remains strong — grounded in equity, historical identity, and our right to fair representation within the Nigerian federation.
Let me assure you that I will be present in Uyo to speak clearly and forcefully on behalf of Anioma. But more importantly, I call on all Anioma sons and daughters — our traditional rulers, civil society organizations, youth leaders, professional groups, and all well-meaning citizens — to mobilize and participate actively in the hearing. Our presence and unified voice will send a clear and compelling message to the nation.
The journey to the creation of Anioma State is not without its challenges. But with resolve, unity, and persistent engagement, we will achieve this long-deserved goal. Anioma has earned its rightful place as a federating unit in the Nigerian nation.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
May God bless Anioma, Delta State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
