Lawmakers representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the Delta State House of Assembly, alongside the nine local government chairmen from the district, have firmly rejected proposals suggesting that a future Anioma State should be situated within the South East geopolitical zone.
In a jointly signed statement issued on Sunday, the legislators and council bosses reiterated their longstanding demand for the creation of Anioma State, but insisted that the state must remain within the South South region where the Anioma people are historically and administratively located.
The leaders said their position followed extensive deliberations on renewed national discussions and ongoing legislative processes concerning the creation of new states across the country.
According to the group, the agitation for Anioma State is “a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history,” championed by past and present leaders of the people.
They described the struggle as a generational pursuit aimed at securing political identity, cultural preservation, and accelerated development for the Anioma nation.
“Our quest for a distinct and autonomous Anioma State is not a fleeting political venture but a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history, championed by our revered forebears. We are united in the belief that the creation of Anioma State is a matter of justice, equity, and a necessary step towards fulfilling the political and developmental destiny of the Anioma people,” the statement read.
The leaders expressed “total and unequivocal support” for the creation of Anioma State strictly from the present nine local government areas in Delta North Senatorial District.
They listed the LGAs as: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani, with Asaba proposed as the state capital.
They pledged to deploy their “full political weight and mandate” to lobby and support every legitimate effort that will lead to the establishment of Anioma State.
However, the group condemned what they described as attempts to drag Anioma into a merger with the South East, stressing that such propositions contradict the historical and geopolitical identity of the people.
“We vehemently oppose any proposed move or merger with any part of the South East geopolitical zone,” the statement declared. Anioma is, and must remain, in the South South. The Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively aligned with the South South. This position is deeply rooted in our heritage and is non-negotiable,” the insisted.
The Delta North political leaders assured constituents that they would remain steadfast in protecting the collective interest and identity of the Anioma nation, even as discussions on state creation continue at the national level.