ANIOMA STATE CREATION: IGBANKE TRADITIONAL RULERS SEEK ASSURANCE AS NWOKO REAFFIRMS PROGRESS

Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has assured traditional rulers and stakeholders from the Igbanke community that the creation of Anioma State has moved beyond speculation and is firmly grounded in established legislative and constitutional processes.

The senator gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of Igbanke traditional rulers and community leaders on a courtesy visit to his country home.

He said the Anioma State project is anchored on documented agreements, legislative milestones and constitutional procedures already underway at the National Assembly.

The delegation was led by prominent monarchs, including the Obi of Oligie, HRM Obi Lucky Chukwukama Osunde; the Obi of Omolua Igbanke, HRM Edobor Uwaifo, PhD; the Obi of Ottah, HRM Dr. Julius Chukwuyem Isitor; and the Obi of Idumodin Igbanke, HRM Dr. Ngozi Otabor Ogiebor.

Also present were senior chiefs, including Chief Barrister Isioma Ugbortor and Chief Jude O. Ogbekile.

Briefing the visitors, Senator Nwoko outlined the constitutional and legislative progress recorded so far, stressing that the South-East remains the only geopolitical zone with five states.

He argued that equity and fairness demand the creation of a sixth state for the region as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise.

Nwoko disclosed that, as a principal member of the Joint Committee on Constitutional Amendment of the Senate and House of Representatives, he sponsored and championed the bill that revived the state creation debate at the federal level.

He said the committee reached a landmark agreement in Lagos, recognising the need to address the imbalance by creating an additional state for the South-East.

According to the senator, a critical clause was inserted into the committee’s official report listing Delta State, representing Anioma, among the states eligible to contest for the proposed sixth South-East state.

He described the inclusion as a significant step that firmly positions Anioma within the constitutional framework of the process.

He further clarified that the constitutional authority for state creation rests with the National Assembly and not state governors, adding that the leadership of the legislature, including the Senate President, has given assurances on the steady progress of the proposal.

Reaffirming his confidence, Senator Nwoko said Anioma State would eventually emerge, noting that his position is supported by legislative records, formal agreements and sustained advocacy.

He added that Asaba remains the natural choice for the state capital, given its infrastructure and central role in Anioma affairs.

The senator assured the Igbanke community and the wider Anioma people that the pursuit of justice, equity and rightful recognition would not be derailed by political interference.