THE ANIOMA DIALOGUE IN UYO: A Front Burner Demand For State Creation, In An Attempt To Review 1999 Nigeria Constitution - By Justin Okpu.
This Is A 1st July, 2025, TERRAIN REPORTER™ Exclusive News Story Article Authored By Justin Okpu, Special Assistant On Media To Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko.
THE ANIOMA DIALOGUE IN UYO: A Front Burner Demand For State Creation, In An Attempt To Review 1999 Nigeria Constitution.
This Is A 1st July, 2025, TERRAIN REPORTER™ Exclusive News Story Article Authored By Justin Okpu, Special Assistant On Media To Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko.
The Anioma State Creation dialogue has been a long-standing conversation among the Anioma people, primarily inhibiting the Northern Senatorial District of Delta state, in Nigeria
For the benefit of understanding this article, i shall highlight details in a structured analysis of the current dialogue, key considerations and requirements for the Creation Of Anioma State, in the current attempt to amend the 1999, Constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.
1. The Background of Anioma State Creation Request By Anioma People, Currently At The 10th Sessions Of The National Assembly.
First question that come to mind is, who are actually the Anioma People?
The *"Ndi-Anioma"* (meaning "Good Land people" translation in Igbo Language) are a unique, culturally distinct group in northern senatorial district of Delta State, comprising nine local government areas (namely, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ika North East, Ika South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani LGA's) sharing strong Igbo linguistic and cultural ties.
i) The Early Settlements Of The Anioma People.
The Anioma people trace their origins to the ancient Nri Kingdom, one of the oldest civilizations in Nigeria. Some communities claim descent from Benin Kingdom migrants, especially those in the western parts of Anioma.
ii) The Migration Patterns Of The Anioma people: Historical accounts suggest that the Anioma people migrated from the Igbo heartland (present-day Anambra, Enugu, and Imo States) due to population pressure, conflicts, and the search for arable land and some groups also migrated from Benin during the expansion of the Benin Empire and joined the aboriginal of Anioma Land.
2. The Traditional Socio-Political Administrative system that exist in Anioma.
The Anioma people traditionally lived in autonomous communities, each governed by a council of elders and titled chiefs.
The Anioma traditional political systems historically, varied slightly across clans but shared common features:
i) The Monarchical Systems: Some Anioma communities, like those influenced by Benin, had monarchs (Obi or Ogbuehi) who ruled with councils of chiefs.
ii) The Democratic Governance system: history also recorded that there are other parts of Anioma that operated a republican system similar to the Igbo model, where decisions were made by assemblies of elders and representatives.
iii) The Age Grades and Communal Groups system : The Age grades system (like Otu-Odu, Okwa, Onotu, Omu, Ada) and Communal Groups (such Nwoke, Okolobie, Ogboni, Ekpe, Nwanyi, Ndiom etc.) played key roles in maintaining social order and administering justice.
Due to peculiar nature of governance systems that existed in Anioma at that time and including their colonial interactive experience, may have influenced the long history on advocating for a separate state to address perceived marginalization and enhance development.
5. In The Verge Of fulfilling the Anioma State Creation Demand:
As at June 2025, after two successful readings of the Anioma State Creation Bill 2024, SB 481, at the floor of the senate, as well as the news making rounds, which was reported By Adamu Abuh, of the Guardian Newspapers Abuja, saying that 85 senators back creation of Anioma State, as the National Assembly intensifies efforts to amend the Constitution.
This report indicated that no fewer than 85 Senators have thrown their weight behind the clamour for the creation of Anioma State, as further strength the people of Anioma in high spirit, ready and set for the upcoming public hearing scheduled for the 4th and 5th June, 2025, in Uyo, Akwai-Ibom State capital.
The signatures of the Senators were obtained following the letter written and personally addressed to each of the Senators of the 10th National Assembly by Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate.
The Distinguished Senator Nwoko is championing the cause for the creation of the new state in the interest of national development, justice, and federal balance.
Referring to a letter dated May 27, 2025, and addressed to the Senate President and all members of the Senate, Senator Nwoko sought their endorsement and support for the creation of Anioma State — a constitutional proposal captured under Senate Bill 481, currently undergoing legislative consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Senator Nwoko challenged his colleagues to rise to the occasion with courage, vision, a commitment to justice and got him appealing.
*“Let us be remembered as the Senate that brought balance to Nigeria’s state structure and healed a longstanding national wound,”*
The letter titled *“ANIOMA AS EQUITY STATE,”* emphasized, the creation of Anioma State is not merely about redrawing boundaries or political convenience, but a matter of equity, fair representation, and justice.
Senator Nwoko pointed out that the Southeast currently has five states, while other geopolitical zones have six or seven states.
*“Anioma State, to be carved out of Delta State, is a just and logical solution to this imbalance,”* he asserted, describing Anioma as a region with deep cultural and historical ties to the people of Southeast.
*“Its creation will not only bring balance to Nigeria’s geopolitical structure but also promote national unity by addressing a longstanding grievance of the Igbo nation,” he added.
This as a result, made the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum throw its full weight behind the Anioma State Creation initiative.
In another letter dated May 15, 2025, signed by HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu (Oroko Abia), Diawa I of Umudiawu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman of the Forum, and HRM Igwe Sunny Orah, Secretary, the traditional rulers praised Senator Nwoko for his leadership and pledged their unwavering support.
*“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 forum noted.
*“We are proud to identify with you in this historic endeavour and formally declare our support for the creation of Anioma State. Our Forum is committed to adding our royal voice and influence to this just cause and collaborating with you in every constructive way possible.”*
6. Conclusively, It is expected that all Anioma sons and daughters, at this moment of historical honour, to give full support to the actualisation of Anioma State Creation, by rallying round the Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko to attend the 4th & 5th July 2025, Anioma State Creation public hearing , while adorned in their white clothing and red cap / red scarf, at the event.
