The campaign for the creation of Anioma State has taken a significant leap forward, with over 90 Senators of the 10th National Assembly reportedly endorsing the proposal, far exceeding the two-thirds constitutional requirement.
Under the Nigerian Constitution, a minimum of 73 Senators (two-thirds of the 109-member Senate) must support any state creation bill for it to progress. The current figure of 90 endorsements places the Anioma initiative 17 votes above the threshold.
Prominent lawmakers backing the move include Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Minority Leader Abba Patrick Moro, former Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governors Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson, and Senator Victor Umeh, among others.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, initiated the drive through a formal letter to the Senate President dated May 27, 2025, urging both individual and collective support for the proposed Anioma State.
He anchored the request on the pillars of justice, equity, national development, and federal balance.
The proposal is contained in Senate Bill 481, which is currently being reviewed as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Analysts say the rare show of bipartisan unity significantly strengthens the proposal’s chances of scaling through the National Assembly and gaining wider public acceptance.
Credit: New Telegraph
