The Delta State Government has declared that it is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, affirming that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori supports the aspiration, provided it is pursued strictly in line with constitutional provisions and democratic processes.
The position was made known on Monday when Anioma youths from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District embarked on a peaceful protest to the Government House, Asaba, to renew their long-standing demand for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing the protesters at the Government House, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, said the Oborevwori administration harbours no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
He stressed that the state government remains committed to democratic choice, the rule of law and the clearly expressed will of the people.
Prince Erijo commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the protesters, describing it as a mark of maturity, responsibility and genuine commitment to their cause.
He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori had been fully briefed on the protest and personally directed him to engage the youths and listen to their concerns.
According to the Chief of Staff, the agitation for Anioma State is neither misplaced nor improperly articulated and deserves sincere consideration.
Drawing from scriptural references, he noted that government has a duty to respond to the genuine needs of its people, adding that no responsible authority should ignore a just and lawful demand.
He emphasised the need for unity among Anioma people, noting that a common and clearly defined position would strengthen the agitation and eliminate conflicting narratives. He said a united front would make the demand more compelling and easier to advance.
Explaining the constitutional procedure for state creation, Prince Erijo said the process is clearly outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and includes the submission of petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration and the conduct of a referendum.
He noted that such a referendum would cover all Anioma-speaking local government areas, Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa East and West, as well as interested enclaves such as Igbanke in Edo State.
He assured the protesters that once a referendum is conducted and the majority of the people express their desire for Anioma State, that decision would be respected.
He reiterated that Governor Oborevwori is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State and would support any outcome that reflects the majority will of the people through lawful means.
Earlier, the protesting youths, under the banner of a coalition, reaffirmed their demand for Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East, insisting that ancestrally, culturally and linguistically, the Anioma people are Igbo. They stressed that their identity should no longer be denied or downplayed.
Speaking through their leaders, including Ofochi Atagana for Ukwuani youths, Ayo Ashiedu for Aniocha North, Kingsley Kainebi for Ika North East and Chief Jude Ogbekile for the Igbanke community, the youths appealed to the Delta State Government to lend political and moral support to the agitation.
They described the creation of Anioma State as a win-win arrangement, noting that Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of the proposed state, while Delta State would have the opportunity to designate a new capital elsewhere.
The youths also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to support the Anioma State bill, reaffirming their resolve to be reunited with their kith and kin across the Niger.
