Akpabio Backs Creation Of Anioma State, Says Capital Will Be In Asaba

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has thrown his full support behind the proposed creation of Anioma State.

NaijaChoice News reports that the Senate President made the declaration at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday.

He said he has no problem with the initiative, describing it as a positive step that should not generate fear in the region.

The proposal, long championed by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North, seeks to carve out a new state from the nine local government areas in Delta North. It aims to address the imbalance in the South-East geopolitical zone, which currently has only five states compared to six in other zones.

Akpabio addressed concerns about the impact on Delta State directly.

He stated that the capital of the proposed Anioma State would remain in Asaba, while the capital of the remaining Delta State would move to Warri.

According to him, this arrangement poses no difficulty and would bring balanced development.

“If that is the only demand from the South-South for state creation, then I should be proud to support it,” Akpabio said.

He added: “For Anioma State, the capital will be in Asaba; then the capital of Delta State proper will be in Warri. That’s not a problem.”

The Senate President stressed that more states would translate to more development across the country.

He noted that once the process passes through the various Houses of Assembly, Nigeria would gain one additional state.

Akpabio described the new state as “definitely going to be another broom and progressives from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria,” referring to the APC symbol.

The Anioma agitation dates back several decades, with renewed momentum in the 10th National Assembly through Nwoko’s bill.

Supporters argue it would unlock greater economic potential in the oil-rich Ndokwa axis and provide better governance for the Igbo-speaking communities in Delta North.

Akpabio’s endorsement, coming from the number three citizen, is seen as a major boost for the bill’s chances in the National Assembly.

Stakeholders in Delta and the South-South are now watching closely to see how the proposal advances.

The creation of new states in Nigeria requires rigorous constitutional steps, including approval by two-thirds of state assemblies.

For now, Akpabio’s position at the APC zonal congress signals strong federal-level backing for the Anioma dream.