By Fred Odu
In fulfillment of his promise during the stakeholders’ summit on the creation of the proposed Anioma State, held in Asaba last August, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has announced the establishment of a Technical Committee to work on the requirements for achieving statehood.
Senator Nwoko made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN. He explained that while he would be handling the legislative aspects of the proposed Anioma State, the Technical Committee would focus on meeting the administrative, political, and legal requirements.
The committee comprises traditional rulers, the three House of Representatives members from Delta North, select members of the Delta State House of Assembly from Delta North, prominent Anioma sons and daughters, and women’s groups.
It also includes representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations, Anioma Congress, Anioma Indigenes Worldwide, Anioma Professionals, Izu Anioma, Onu Ika, Ndokwa Neku Union, Omus of Anioma, Forum of Delta North Councillors, Forum of Presidents-General of Anioma Communities, and representatives of the Yoruba and Arewa communities in Delta North.
Senator Nwoko, who revealed that the committee would soon be inaugurated, informed the Asagba that a public hearing on the creation of the proposed Anioma State has been scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
He urged Asagba Prof. Azinge to play a key role in the Technical Committee and also attend the public hearing to make a royal presentation that would lend significant weight to the request for state creation.
The federal lawmaker revealed that 75 senators have already endorsed the Anioma State project, which is currently the only state-creation request before the Senate. He expressed optimism that the number would soon rise to around 90 senators.
He emphasized that the creation of Anioma State is a deeply personal and important goal, not only for him but for every Anioma person, stressing that the quest had never been closer to reality than now. He attributed this momentum to the support he secured from President Tinubu, the Vice President, the Senate President, and the APC National Chairman before defecting to the APC.
Senator Nwoko called on all leaders and critical stakeholders of the Anioma nation to mobilize individuals and groups to participate in the public hearing and submit memoranda.
In his response, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Prof. Azinge, commended Senator Nwoko for his proactive legislative efforts, particularly in championing the creation of Anioma State and for his role in pushing the bill to upgrade the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba to a Federal University of Technology.
The monarch praised Senator Nwoko’s dedication to Anioma’s development, describing him as a visionary and committed lawmaker.
“Ordinarily, a university wouldn’t be your concern, given that you already run a private university—and not in your immediate community,” he noted. “But this demonstrates your passion and commitment to Anioma people’s well-being. Ndi Asaba will remember this for a long time to come.”
He described the senator’s commitment to the creation of Anioma State as “sacrificial,” saying, “You have pursued Anioma State with missionary zeal. We commend your enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment so far. Historically, Asaba people have always been at the forefront of shaping history. Perhaps you’re the one destined to actualize this, and it will happen in your time.”
Obi Azinge, a constitutional law expert, assured that the traditional institution would play its role in rallying grassroots support.
“I understand all the nuances of state creation. You have clearly outlined most of them. I know traditional rulers must not only support but also encourage our subjects to support. That won’t be a problem,” he said.
He also shared insights from his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “When I met with the President on March 20, his response aligned with what you’re saying. His thinking is in sync with your plans.”
Commenting on recent political realignments, he added: “With the merger of the two political parties, we must proceed as one family in this quest. The likelihood of Anioma State becoming a reality is strong. I also recognize that you’re close to achieving the two-thirds majority needed, especially with your new alignment with the APC. That’s a significant advantage.”
The public hearing on the Anioma Bill is scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Uyo by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
Additional reporting by Senator Nwoko’s Media Directorate.