By Austin Oyibode
Chief Emmanuel Ejiofor (Ph.D), a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, has strongly refuted claims that the Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of 12 new states, describing the reports as “deliberate misinformation” aimed at undermining Senator Ned Nwoko and derailing the legitimate agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
Reacting to the viral reports suggesting that the Senate had endorsed a dozen new states, Chief Ejiofor lambasted the claims as “a gross misrepresentation of Nigeria’s constitutional process” and “a calculated political distraction.”
“That will show you the level of ignorance being circulated,” Ejiofor stated.
“There are constitutional procedures for state creation. We only just concluded the public hearing stage, no state has been created, and we’ve not even advanced to the next legislative phase. So, where is this so-called list of 12 states coming from?”
He alleged that the false narrative is being pushed by political opponents to cast doubts on the Anioma statehood campaign, a movement he described as the most coordinated and widely supported among all state creation proposals currently under consideration.
“Among all the regions pushing for new states, only Anioma has demonstrated widespread grassroots and regional support,” Ejiofor explained.
“But because Senator Ned Nwoko is championing the cause, they concocted this fake list to distract and discredit him.”
According to Ejiofor, the ploy is clear: to create public confusion, then use the absence of Anioma from the fabricated list to question the seriousness or legitimacy of the campaign.
“At the end of the day, they’ll say, ‘Where is Anioma State on the list?’ It’s all a stupid agenda meant to isolate Anioma and frustrate Senator Nwoko’s efforts.”
He condemned the move as a personal attack veiled in political mischief, stating that “this isn’t about constitutional reform, it’s about targeting one man.”
“Everything about their body language shows it’s Nwoko they’re after. But he is too focused and too committed to Anioma’s future to be derailed by cheap propaganda.”
On rumors that Senator Nwoko’s push for Anioma State is a stepping stone to a gubernatorial ambition, Ejiofor dismissed the speculation outright.
“Senator Nwoko has repeatedly said he’s not running for governor. His advocacy is about Anioma’s rightful place in the Nigerian federation, not personal ambition. He’s fighting for equity, justice, and inclusion, not for political office.”
Senator Nwoko himself has consistently maintained that the creation of Anioma State is a matter of identity, fairness, and representation, not about him.
“Anioma State is not about me,” Nwoko previously said. “It’s about giving the Anioma people the voice and dignity they deserve within the Nigerian federation.”
Contrary to the circulating falsehoods, investigations confirm that the Senate is still in the early stages of considering various state creation proposals. The Nigerian Constitution mandates a rigorous multi-tier process for the creation of new states, requiring:
Support from two-thirds of members of the National Assembly,
Endorsement by two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, and
A successful referendum.
So far, no proposal has passed all these constitutional thresholds.
Chief Ejiofor urged Nigerians to remain discerning and not be swayed by politically motivated propaganda.
“We must learn to separate truth from manipulation. Anioma deserves statehood, not because of who is leading the charge, but because it is long overdue.”
