By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Government has declared that it is not opposed to the creation of Anioma State, provided the demand is pursued strictly in line with the constitutional provisions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The government’s position was made known on Monday in Asaba when Anioma youths, drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, staged a peaceful protest to the Government House. The protesters were seeking renewed support for the long-standing agitation for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone.
The youths, who marched calmly to the Government House gate, displayed placards with inscriptions such as “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Please Give Us Anioma State,” “Anioma Youths Support Anioma State,” and “Anioma People Are Happy to Unite with Our Igbo Brothers in the South-East.”
Addressing the protesters, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Government House, Prince Johnson Erijo, assured them that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori harboured no opposition to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
Prince Erijo said the state government remained committed to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the collective will of the people, stressing that any lawful demand supported by the majority would receive due consideration.
He commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, describing it as a demonstration of maturity, responsibility, and genuine commitment to their cause. According to him, Governor Oborevwori had been fully briefed on the protest and directed that the youths be engaged and their concerns listened to.
The Chief of Staff noted that the agitation for Anioma State was neither misplaced nor improperly articulated, adding that it deserved sincere and objective consideration within the bounds of the law.
He further emphasized the importance of unity among Anioma people, stating that a clear and common position would strengthen their agitation. According to him, internal disagreements could weaken the process and create unnecessary obstacles.
Explaining the constitutional framework for state creation, Prince Erijo said the process involved formal petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative reviews, and the conduct of a referendum among the affected areas.
He explained that such a referendum would involve Anioma-speaking local government areas, including 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 such as Igbanke in Edo State.
Prince Erijo assured the youths that once a referendum was conducted and the majority of the people voted in favour of Anioma State, the decision would be respected. He reiterated that Governor Oborevwori would support any outcome that reflected the lawful and majority will of the people.
Earlier, the protesting youths, speaking under a coalition, reaffirmed their demand for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East. They maintained that ancestrally, culturally, and linguistically, they are Igbo people and should be officially recognised as such.
Speaking through their leaders, including Benjamin Atagana-Ofochi of the Ukwuani Youth Vanguard, Ayo Ashiedu of Aniocha North, Kingsley Kainebi of Ika North East, and Chief Jude Ogbekile of the Igbanke community, the youths appealed to the Delta State Government for political and moral support.
They acknowledged that state creation followed constitutional procedures but noted that the backing of sitting governors was critical in advancing such agitations. The group described the creation of Anioma State as a win-win arrangement, noting that Asaba would naturally become the capital of the proposed state, while Delta State could designate a new capital.
The youths 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 in the South-East.
