The push for the creation of Anioma State has gained fresh momentum as the Bill nears its critical third reading in the Senate, with advocates expressing optimism that the decades-long agitation is finally on the verge of realization.
Chief Godfrey Odogwu, Chairman of the Technical Committee and Director-General of the Anioma State Creation Movement, said the overwhelming support from Anioma people and sustained efforts at the National Assembly under the leadership of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko have positioned the agitation for success.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, Odogwu recalled the historic Anioma Summit of August 31, 2024, which brought together over 3,000 stakeholders, including traditional rulers, professionals, youths, women, and artisans, in Asaba, where they unanimously endorsed the renewed quest for statehood.
“Since then, the Bill has successfully scaled the first and second readings in the Senate. Only last month, we had very impactful public hearings at Ikot Ekpene and Enugu, where our memoranda were strongly presented and well received by both chambers’ Constitutional Amendment Committees,” he said.
“Even if just one state is recommended for creation, we are confident it will be Anioma State.”
Nwoko’s Leadership and National Support
Odogwu praised Senator Nwoko, who sits on the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, for his resilience, personal sacrifices, and political lobbying in pushing the cause forward.
“He has invested his time, resources, and goodwill to bring us this far. Over ninety Senators have already indicated support for Anioma State, even before the third reading. Lesser men would have given up long ago,” he noted.
He disclosed that the Technical Committee is now preparing for the Senate’s resumption and the anticipated third reading of the Bill, after which attention will shift to a referendum.
Sensitization and mobilization of Anioma people for that phase, he said, has already begun.
The Zoning Debate
Addressing fears about geopolitical placement, Odogwu dismissed zoning concerns as distractions.
“The Nigerian Constitution does not recognize geopolitical zones. These are mere political arrangements. What matters is that Anioma becomes the 37th state of the federation. Whether South-South or South-East, Anioma people want their state,” he argued.
He acknowledged that some Anioma indigenes shy away from identifying as Igbo, despite cultural and linguistic links, but described this as “a mindset we are gradually correcting.”
Tracing the agitation back to Chief Dennis Osadebay’s 1954 request to the colonial office, Odogwu stressed that the demand has always been about equitable development, not ethnic division.
“When Anioma was in the Western Region, we didn’t become Yorubas. When in Mid-Western, Bendel, and now Delta, our identity remained. Anioma State will allow both Anioma and Delta to grow independently, a win-win for all.”
Traditional and Political Backing
Odogwu highlighted the strong involvement of Anioma traditional rulers, noting that the Asagba of Asaba, HRM Prof. Epiphany Azinge, and the Dein of Agbor are co-chairmen of the Technical Committee. He dismissed old video clips portraying the Asagba as opposed to South-East alignment as outdated.
He also expressed confidence in the support of past and present political leaders from Delta North, including former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and ex-Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, noting that the movement is committed to Anioma unity.
Anioma’s Historic Sacrifices
On the question of Anioma’s place in the federation, Odogwu recalled Anioma’s sacrifices during the Civil War and the tragic massacres in Asaba, as well as Anioma’s long-standing recognition within Ohanaeze Ndigbo, citing the late Dr. Ralph Uwechue’s presidency and other Anioma leaders’ roles in the pan-Igbo body.
“The fear of Anioma being zoned to the South-East is unfounded. We should not let sentiments derail us. Anioma people overwhelmingly want their own state, regardless of zoning.”
The Road Ahead
Despite challenges, Odogwu insisted that the movement remains united and focused.
“The feedback from Anioma land is clear: our people want Anioma State. Those hiding behind zoning for political advantage will be swept aside when the euphoria of state creation becomes reality. That day is very near,” he declared with confidence.
