History inches closer for the Anioma people as the Nigerian Senate sets dates for a crucial public hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State. The event is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
This landmark hearing follows the first and second readings of the Anioma State Creation Bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, along with Senator Nwoko and other key lawmakers, is expected to attend the session, which is already generating widespread attention and anticipation.
A broad spectrum of stakeholders—including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, academics, youth groups, women’s organisations, and socio-cultural bodies—has been mobilised to present their views at the hearing.
In preparation, Senator Nwoko recently constituted a high-powered technical committee to support the process. The committee is chaired by the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge (SAN), with the Dein of Agbor, HRM Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, serving as co-chair.
Speaking ahead of the hearing, Senator Nwoko emphasised its significance, urging massive participation from all corners of Anioma land. He described the pursuit of statehood as “a compelling historical movement” rooted in the dreams of Anioma’s founding fathers.
“This is not about personal glory,” Nwoko stated. “It is a struggle for identity, history, and justice. Legendary figures like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, and Senator Nosike Ikpo laid the foundation more than 50 years ago. I didn’t start this agitation, but I’m determined to finish it.”
He expressed confidence in the bill’s success, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate, and the House of Representatives for their support so far. He added that he was optimistic that a majority of states in the South-South and South-East geopolitical zones would endorse the creation of Anioma State.
Public interest continues to rise as the hearing draws near, with many viewing it as a turning point in the longstanding quest for statehood. Senator Nwoko, whose legislative journey dates back to his time in the House of Representatives in 1999, is widely acknowledged for his persistence and national outlook.
Since his election to the Senate in 2023, he has chaired the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, among other legislative duties, while remaining a vocal advocate for equity, federal balance, and the rights of his constituents.
