By Unue Emeka
The agitation for the creation of Anioma State has taken on renewed urgency and national relevance, largely due to the committed advocacy and legislative expertise of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
A respected legal luminary and seasoned development advocate, Senator Nwoko has infused the long-standing demand with fresh energy, focus, and credibility.
At the core of the Anioma State creation campaign is a push for equity, inclusion, and administrative justice.
As the South-East geopolitical zone remains the only zone with five states, compared to six in others and seven in the North-West, the proposal seeks to address this structural imbalance.
The creation of Anioma State would not only give the Anioma people a platform for self-determination and sustainable development, but also strengthen Nigeria’s federal character.
Senator Nwoko’s leadership has transformed what was once a loosely coordinated demand into a well-articulated national conversation.
His track record of excellence, both within Nigeria and internationally, combined with his ability to build consensus across political divides, has positioned him as a pivotal figure in this historic quest.
In the 10th Senate, the bill for the creation of Anioma State, sponsored by Senator Nwoko, has already scaled its first and second readings, a significant legislative feat accomplished in record time.
This progress underscores his legislative dexterity and deep understanding of political negotiation and constitutional procedure.
But Nwoko’s approach extends far beyond legislative processes. He has anchored the Anioma campaign on constitutional logic, moral clarity, and national interest.
For him, Anioma is not an ethnic pursuit, but a corrective step toward Nigeria’s democratic deepening and federal balance.
His strategy has been both inclusive and deliberate. Senator Nwoko has engaged a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from traditional rulers and community leaders to civil society organisations and lawmakers from other regions.
His ability to frame Anioma as a national project, rather than a regional demand, reflects a rare kind of political statesmanship.
A key milestone in the journey is the upcoming public hearing on state creation, scheduled by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review for July 4th and 5th, 2025, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
This public hearing is not only a validation of the process, but also a platform for all Nigerians to contribute to a matter of national restructuring and fairness.
Senator Nwoko has also maintained strong ties with his constituents, ensuring that the people remain central to the advocacy.
Through town hall meetings, community dialogues, and consistent media engagement, he has translated legislative action into popular mobilization, strengthening the people’s ownership of the process.
In a country often strained by issues of marginalisation, uneven development, and ethno-political friction, the creation of Anioma State offers a meaningful pathway to healing, inclusion, and national unity.
With visionary and capable leaders like Senator Nwoko at the helm, the Anioma dream is no longer a distant aspiration, it is an achievable goal.
More than just a political movement, Anioma represents the yearning of a people for identity, justice, and opportunity.
And in Senator Ned Nwoko, the Anioma people have found not just a voice, but a skilled advocate and trusted leader.
When vision meets competence, and capacity is matched with commitment, progress becomes inevitable.
Unue Emeka is a Public Affairs Analyst. He writes from Kwale, Delta State.
