The renewed national debate over state creation has triggered a strong response from elected officials in Delta North, as legislators and local government chairmen from the senatorial district have firmly rejected any proposal to situate a proposed Anioma State within the South-East geopolitical zone.
In a joint declaration issued after a series of extensive consultations, Delta North lawmakers and the nine local government chairmen affirmed their unwavering support for the creation of Anioma State strictly within the South-South geopolitical zone, insisting that the identity, heritage, and political future of Anioma people cannot be altered or redefined by external propositions.
The statement, endorsed by all elected representatives of the district, underscored that the demand for Anioma State is not a recent political agitation but a longstanding historical aspiration passed down from previous generations of Anioma leaders, traditional rulers, and statesmen.
They noted that the movement for Anioma State is rooted in the desire for political autonomy, cultural preservation, and equitable development.
The leaders reaffirmed their collective backing for the creation of Anioma State made up of the current nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, with Asaba proposed as the capital. The LGAs include:
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Aniocha North
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Aniocha South
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Ika North-East
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Ika South
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Ndokwa East
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Ndokwa West
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Oshimili North
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Oshimili South
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Ukwuani
According to the statement, these local government areas collectively represent the historical, cultural, political, and linguistic identity of Anioma people.
“Our quest for Anioma State is a legitimate aspiration deeply grounded in our history and championed by our forebears,” the statement read. “We stand on the shoulders of the giants who first articulated this dream and we will not abandon it. The creation of Anioma State is a matter of justice, fairness, and necessary political evolution.”
They further declared their commitment to mobilising political support, lobbying stakeholders, and participating fully in constitutional processes to secure the creation of the state.
The most emphatic portion of the statement addressed recent suggestions from certain quarters proposing that Anioma State—if created—should be grouped into the South-East geopolitical zone.
The Delta North leaders unanimously rejected the idea, describing it as misguided, unacceptable, and contrary to history.
“Anioma is, and must remain, an integral part of the South-South,” they declared. “Our cultural heritage, historical evolution, administrative alignment, and geopolitical realities place Anioma firmly within the South-South. Any attempt to pull Anioma into the South-East is inconsistent with our identity and aspirations.”
The leaders stressed that Anioma’s connection to the South-South is not simply administrative but rooted in decades of shared political experience and regional cooperation.
They emphasised that identity cannot be imposed by external political calculations but must be determined by the people themselves.
In the joint statement, the lawmakers and chairmen reiterated that while the Anioma people welcome the ongoing national conversation on state creation, any future arrangement must respect the will of Delta North residents.
“We reaffirm that Anioma State, when created, must comprise our nine local government areas and remain in the South-South geopolitical zone. This position is non-negotiable.”
They concluded by calling on federal lawmakers, traditional institutions, civil society, and political stakeholders across Delta North to remain united and vigilant as Nigeria considers future constitutional amendments. They urged Anioma people to reject any divisive proposals that do not reflect their collective identity and long-term interests.
The renewed debate around new state creation follows recent discussions at the National Assembly, where various regions are making fresh submissions. The Anioma position is expected to play a major role as lawmakers deliberate on restructuring and constitutional reforms.
With this declaration, Delta North has sent a clear message: Anioma State is a welcomed aspiration—but not at the expense of their historical and geopolitical identity in the South-South.
