Senator Ned Nwoko Proposes Anioma State for South-East Balance

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has put forward a bill advocating for establishing Anioma State. The bill’s primary objective is to rectify historical oversights and ensure equitable representation and resource allocation for the Southeast region.

Senator Nwoko contends that the Southeast currently has a disproportionate number of states compared to other geopolitical zones, leading to disparities in national representation and resource distribution. He asserts that creating Anioma State is both pressing and necessary to address this longstanding issue of geopolitical imbalance in Nigeria.

The proposed Anioma State would be delineated from nine local government areas, six of which boast significant oil and gas reserves. Senator Nwoko underscores the urgency of this move, stressing that it is vital for addressing the persistent disparities in Nigeria’s geopolitical state distribution.

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Anioma socio-cultural group, Izu Anioma, and the Pan Igbo cultural organization, Ohanaeze Indi Igbo. Additionally, the political leadership in Anioma, including traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Joseph Chike Edozien, has consistently backed the establishment of Anioma State.

Senator Nwoko emphasizes that creating Anioma State transcends mere numerical increase; it is about fostering fair representation and resource allocation for the Southeast. With widespread support from stakeholders, the time has come to actualize the creation of Anioma State, rectify past imbalances, and ensure equitable representation in national governance.

The bill is poised to ignite a discourse on state creation in Nigeria, with proponents advocating its necessity in achieving justice and equity for the Southeast. As the proposal progresses through the legislative channels, all eyes will be on the National Assembly to ascertain whether this ambitious endeavor will come to fruition.