Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress in Delta North have renewed calls for the creation of Anioma State, urging the National Assembly to address what they described as a long-standing injustice in Nigeria’s state structure, particularly in the South-East.
The group said Anioma’s elevation to statehood was long overdue and essential to correcting the geopolitical imbalance that has left the South-East with only five states.
In a letter dated November 3, 2025, and signed by its Chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, the APC Delta North Senatorial District said the demand for Anioma State represents the collective and united position of the people of Delta North.
“The APC Delta North Senatorial District is fully and unequivocally in support of the creation of Anioma State. The realisation of Anioma State stands as both a matter of fairness and strategic advantage for the federation,” Eluaka said.
He added that there was no dissenting voice across the senatorial district, stressing that the agitation reflects the long-standing aspiration of the Anioma people rooted in their historical and cultural identity.
“We call upon the distinguished Senate to act in solidarity with the legacy of Chief Dennis Osadebey and other Anioma patriots who championed this noble cause. The creation of Anioma State would not only honour their pioneering efforts but also strengthen unity, representation, and administrative balance within our federation,” he said.
Eluaka commended Senator Ned Nwoko for spearheading the latest legislative push for Anioma State, noting that his bill to redress the South-East’s numerical disadvantage in state distribution had given the movement renewed momentum.
“The agitation for an additional state for the South-East began with Senator Nwoko’s bill, which sought to correct the imbalance where the zone has five states while others have six — and one has seven,” Eluaka noted.
He further described the Anioma proposal as the most comprehensive state-creation bill before the National Assembly, saying it enjoys broad national sympathy and legitimacy.
Recalling the suffering of Anioma people during the civil war due to their perceived Igbo identity, Eluaka said the creation of the state would represent an act of healing and historical justice.
“The tragic experience of stigmatisation and persecution suffered because of our Igbo identity led to years of denial and internal conflict. The creation of Anioma State offers an opportunity for healing, affirmation, and restoration of pride in us as a people,” he said.
He urged the National Assembly and President Bola Tinubu to view the proposal as a national unification project that reflects the Senate’s responsiveness to the aspirations of Nigerians.
“The creation of Anioma State will stand as both an act of justice and a reaffirmation of the National Assembly’s commitment to equity and inclusion,” Eluaka said.
