Lawmakers Split Over Anioma State Capital Proposal

The proposal for the creation of Anioma state has sparked division among lawmakers, particularly regarding the proposed capital, Asaba. Senator Ned Nwoko and Ikenga Ugochinyer have taken opposing positions on the matter, reflecting broader implications for the South East's demand for equity within Nigeria's geopolitical structure.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, during a commitment made in March 2026, pledged the National Assembly's support for the creation of Anioma state with Asaba as its capital. Nwoko emphasized that this initiative would usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the Anioma community.

The call for the new state has gained traction among the Anioma people in Delta North, who share cultural and linguistic ties with the Igbo in the South East. The argument for the new state is seen as a way to address political and economic disadvantages faced by the region, which currently has five states compared to the North West's seven.

Ugochinyer insisted that support for the South East's demands must be contingent on addressing core issues affecting the Igbo across Nigeria.