Akpabio Backs Anioma State Creation, Proposes Asaba as Capital

Akpabio Backs Anioma State Creation, Proposes Asaba as Capital

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has openly backed the proposed creation of Anioma State, giving fresh political momentum to a long-standing demand from Delta North.

The proposal, currently gaining traction at the National Assembly, is being championed by Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the Senate. Advocates say the move is aimed at improving regional representation, accelerating development, and addressing perceived marginalisation of the Anioma people within Delta State.

Akpabio spoke in Asaba during the APC South-South Zonal Congress, where he assured party members and stakeholders that there is nothing to fear about creating a new state. According to him, the plan would see Asaba emerge as the capital of the proposed Anioma State, while the current Delta State capital would be relocated to Warri.

He stressed that the creation of more states should be viewed as a pathway to economic growth, grassroots development, and better governance, rather than a political risk. Akpabio argued that additional states would naturally bring government closer to the people and open up more opportunities for infrastructure and investment.

The Senate President also linked the proposal to broader national discussions around equity in state distribution, noting that the South-East currently has fewer states compared to other geopolitical zones. Supporters of the Anioma initiative believe the new state would help correct this imbalance while strengthening the voice of the region in national affairs.

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The agitation for Anioma State creation has persisted for decades, driven by demands for administrative autonomy, fair resource allocation, and cultural identity recognition. Proponents insist that despite its contributions, Delta North has not enjoyed proportional development within the existing structure of Delta State.

However, despite growing political endorsements, the path to creating a new state in Nigeria remains complex. The process requires National Assembly approval, endorsement by at least two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly, a referendum by affected communities, and final presidential assent.

With Akpabio’s endorsement, political observers believe the proposal may gain renewed legislative attention, although significant constitutional and political hurdles still lie ahead.

Akpabio Backs Anioma State Creation, Proposes Asaba as Capital