Momentum Builds for Anioma State as 79 Senators Endorse Creation Bill, Traditional Rulers Add Royal Backing

In what appears to be a significant stride toward national restructuring, 79 senators of the 10th National Assembly have signed in support of the proposed creation of Anioma State, signaling widespread political momentum behind the constitutional move.

The signatures, obtained through a letter personally written and addressed to each senator by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, reflect a growing bipartisan and national consensus on the need for federal equity and justice in Nigeria’s state structure.

The proposed state, to be carved out of Delta State, is being considered under Senate Bill 481 currently undergoing legislative review as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

In the letter dated May 27, 2025, addressed to the Senate President and members of the Senate, Senator Nwoko made a bold appeal, stating:

“Let us be remembered as the Senate that brought balance to Nigeria’s state structure and healed a longstanding national wound.”*

He described the campaign as not merely a political ambition but a moral obligation to correct geopolitical imbalances. Currently, the South East geopolitical zone has only five states, while others have six or seven. The creation of Anioma State, he argued, would provide the Southeast with equal representation.

“Anioma State is a just and logical solution to this imbalance,” Nwoko wrote. “It is not only rooted in historical and cultural ties to the Southeast but also essential to national unity.”

Bolstering the growing support, the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum (NPTRF) formally declared its backing through a letter dated May 15, 2025. The letter, signed by HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu (Oroko Abia), Chairman, and HRM Igwe Sunny Orah, Secretary, praised Senator Nwoko’s leadership and pledged unwavering royal support for the Anioma cause.

“Your vision, passion, and courage in championing this noble cause resonate deeply with our mission as traditional rulers to uphold unity and fairness among all Igbo people,” the monarchs wrote.

They described Anioma’s creation as a historic mission to achieve equity for the Igbo nation and vowed to add their royal voices and influence to ensure the realization of the state.

With 79 senators already on board, insiders at the National Assembly suggest more lawmakers are expected to endorse the bill in the coming weeks, strengthening the legislative pathway for Anioma State.

Political analysts view this growing support as a rare moment of national consensus on state creation, especially as Nigeria revisits issues of restructuring, federalism, and inclusion.

As the debate advances, Senator Nwoko’s leadership continues to draw commendation for his strategic diplomacy, constitutional framing, and cultural advocacy.

SOURCE: South East PUNCH