By Fred Odu
In a bold step toward the realization of Anioma State, Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has announced the process by constituting a Technical Committee to drive the next phase of the state creation effort.
Senator Nwoko made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN. The senator explained that while he would focus on the legislative dimensions, the newly formed Technical Committee would handle administrative, legal, and consultative aspects required to meet constitutional criteria for statehood.
The committee draws from a broad coalition of Anioma leadership and interest groups, including traditional rulers, the three Delta North members of the House of Representatives, Delta State House of Assembly members from the region, women leaders, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and professional associations. Also included are Anioma Congress, Anioma Indigenes Worldwide, Anioma Professionals, Izu Anioma, Onu Ika, Ndokwa Neku Union, the Omus of Anioma, the Forum of Delta North Councillors, Presidents-General of Anioma communities, and representatives of the Yoruba and Arewa communities in Delta North.
Nwoko disclosed that the committee would soon be formally inaugurated and urged all Anioma stakeholders to mobilize and submit memoranda ahead of the public hearing on the creation of Anioma State scheduled for July 4th and 5th in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“Seventy-five Senators are already in support of the Anioma project, and I am confident that we will secure around 90 endorsements soon,” Nwoko stated. “I am fully committed to this cause—not just as a legislator but as an Anioma son. We have never been closer to actualizing this dream.”
He further revealed that his decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by assurances of support from President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.
Responding, the Asagba of Asaba commended Nwoko’s leadership, describing him as “a visionary and proactive lawmaker whose commitment to Anioma’s development is beyond politics.”
He particularly praised the senator for championing the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba to a Federal University of Technology. “This is not even in your own village. You're already running a private university, yet you chose to invest your energy into this federal project. That’s uncommon,” the monarch noted.
On the Anioma State campaign, the Asagba declared: “You have pursued this with missionary zeal. Perhaps, history has chosen you to bring this dream to life.”
Reflecting on his earlier meeting with President Tinubu, the Asagba confirmed that the President’s views were in line with the direction Nwoko is steering. “The President understands the constitutional and symbolic value of this request. With the current political realignments, especially within APC, the prospects for Anioma State have never looked better.”
The Asagba pledged the full support of the traditional institution in mobilizing grassroots backing, emphasizing the critical role of cultural and local leadership in the advocacy process.
The public hearing on the proposed Anioma State, under the auspices of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, will be a crucial test of momentum for the historic push.
