Delta Govt Not Opposed to Anioma State Creation

The Delta State Government has clarified that it is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, provided the agitation is pursued strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions.

This assurance was given on Monday when Anioma youths from the nine local government areas of Delta North embarked on a peaceful protest to the Government House in Asaba, renewing 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 gate, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, conveyed the position of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, stressing that the administration harbours no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the people, while commending the protesters for their peaceful conduct.

Prince Erijo described the youths’ orderly disposition as a sign of maturity, responsibility, and genuine commitment to their cause, adding that Governor Oborevwori had been fully briefed on the protest and directed him to engage the group directly.

According to him, the agitation for Anioma State was neither misplaced nor improperly articulated and deserved sincere consideration.

Drawing from scriptural references, Erijo noted that government had a duty to respond to genuine public demands, stressing that “no earthly father would give a stone to a child who asks for bread.”

He further emphasized the need for unity among Anioma people, noting that a common and clearly defined position would strengthen the agitation.
“If the people are in agreement as to the Anioma they desire, there should be no room for dissenting voices,” he said.

Explaining the constitutional process for state creation, the Chief of Staff said it was clearly outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, involving the submission of petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative consideration, and the conduct of a referendum.

He explained that the referendum would cover all Anioma-speaking local government areas Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East, as well as other interested enclaves, including Igbanke in Edo State.

Prince Erijo assured the protesters that once a referendum was conducted and the majority of the people expressed their desire for Anioma State, their decision would be respected.

He reiterated that Governor Oborevwori was not opposed to the creation of Anioma State and would support any outcome that reflected the majority will of the people through lawful means.

While thanking the protesters for their calm and law-abiding conduct, he urged them to sustain the peaceful approach as they pursued their agitation.

Earlier, the protesting youths, under the banner of a coalition, reaffirmed their demand for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East, insisting that ancestrally, culturally, and linguistically, they are Igbo people whose identity should no longer be denied or downplayed.

Speaking through their leaders Ofochi Atagana (Ukwuani youths), Ayo Ashiedu (Aniocha North), Kingsley Kainebi (Ika North East), and Chief Jude Ogbekile (Igbanke community) the protesters appealed to the Delta State Government to provide political and moral support for the agitation.

They acknowledged that state creation followed constitutional procedures but stressed that governors play a critical role in advancing such causes.

Describing the creation of Anioma State as a win-win arrangement, the youths noted that Asaba would naturally become the capital of the proposed state, while Delta State could designate a new capital elsewhere.

They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to support the bill for the creation of Anioma State, reaffirming their resolve to reunite with their kith and kin across the Niger.