Lawmakers divided over proposed Anioma state capital

The agitation for the creation of Anioma State has exposed sharp divisions among federal lawmakers, with disagreements emerging over the proposed location of the state capital and the broader implications for the South-East’s long-standing demand for equity in Nigeria’s geo-political structure.

At the centre of the debate are Senator Ned Nwoko and Ikenga Ugochinyere, who have taken opposing positions on the capital city and the political alignment of the proposed state.

The controversy follows an earlier assurance by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who in March 2026 pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to the creation of Anioma State, naming Asaba as its proposed capital.

“Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital. The Senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko. This step will usher in a new era of development and shared prosperity for all constituent communities.

“With Asaba as Anioma state capital, Warri will be the capital of the new Delta,” Akpabio told All Progressives Congress members at a South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba.

Encouraged by the declaration, Nwoko, on April 2, led a delegation of traditional rulers from the Anioma region on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review.

At the meeting, Nwoko said, “For decades, leaders from the South-East have demanded the creation of an additional state to bring the region on par with others. While the North-West has seven states, other geo-political zones have six, leaving the South-East with five — a disparity often cited as a source of political and economic disadvantage, particularly in federal appointments, resource allocation and legislative representation.

“It is within this context that the Anioma proposal has gained traction. The Anioma people of Delta North share cultural and linguistic ties with the Igbo of the South-East, fuelling arguments that the new state could help address the imbalance.”

Speaking on the issue with Sunday PUNCH, Ugochinyere insisted that the South-East’s support would depend on conditions that address its core demand.

He said, “We Igbos across the Niger seek one more state for the purpose of balancing the injustice of five states, while others have six and seven. Ethnic expansion is good, but our agenda is for an additional state for the South East region.”

“If Anioma will agree to join us across the Niger and unite under Anim State (A proposed new state to be delineated from Anambra and Imo), we will be happy,” he added.

He stressed for emphasis that “the state capital and location must be in the South-East, and that is why we are unanimously rooting for Anim.”