Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, has expressed support for the proposed creation of Anioma State, saying the new state, if approved, would have its capital in Asaba.
The proposal for Anioma State has been under consideration in the National Assembly for years and is currently being championed by the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko. The initiative is aimed at creating an additional state and addressing representation concerns in the South-East.
Akpabio made his position known on Wednesday while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State.
The Senate President said he had no objection to the proposal, adding that the arrangement would see Asaba, which is currently the capital of Delta State, become the capital of the proposed Anioma State.
He also noted that the capital of Delta State would subsequently be relocated to Warri.
According to him, the creation of Anioma State would help drive development in the area and should not be seen as a cause for concern.
“If that is the only demand coming from the South-South regarding state creation, then I should be proud to support it,” Akpabio said.
“For Anioma State, the capital will be in Asaba, while the capital of Delta State proper will be moved to Warri. That should not be a problem.
“The more states we create, the more opportunities we provide for development. If the proposal eventually passes through the various Houses of Assembly, it means the country will gain an additional state.”
Akpabio further suggested that the move could also strengthen the political influence of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the region.
The call for the creation of Anioma State has remained a recurring issue in discussions on constitutional restructuring, with proponents arguing that it would improve governance and representation for the Anioma people.
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