Senate President Godswill Akpabio has thrown his weight behind the proposed creation of Anioma State, giving renewed momentum to the long-standing demand by stakeholders in Delta North for a separate state.
Akpabio made his position known on Wednesday while addressing party members and stakeholders at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State. His remarks add significant political backing to the agitation, which has persisted for years as part of broader calls for increased representation and equity in Nigeria’s federal structure.
The proposed Anioma State is expected to be carved out of the current Delta State, with advocates arguing that it would enhance political inclusion for communities in the Delta North axis, many of whom identify culturally and historically with the South-East.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio dismissed concerns surrounding the creation of a new state, emphasizing that such a move would not pose any threat to national unity but rather contribute to development and administrative efficiency.
“If that is the only demand from the South-South for state creation, then I should be proud to support it,” he said.
He further outlined how the arrangement could work if the proposal is eventually approved. According to him, Asaba, which currently serves as the capital of Delta State, would become the capital of the proposed Anioma State. In turn, the remaining Delta State—often referred to as Delta Central and Delta South—would relocate its capital to Warri.
“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,” Akpabio added.
The Senate President also argued that increasing the number of states in Nigeria would create more opportunities for development, governance, and political participation across regions.
“I don’t think we should be afraid because the more states we have, the more development. Assuming it passes through the various Houses of Assembly, it means we are going to have one additional state,” he said.
Akpabio further suggested that the creation of Anioma State could have political implications, particularly in strengthening the presence of the APC in the region.
“It is definitely going to be another broom and progressives from the South-Eastern part of Nigeria,” he noted, referring to the APC’s party symbol.
The call for Anioma State has been part of a broader national conversation around restructuring and state creation, with various groups across the country advocating for new states to address issues of marginalization, governance, and resource distribution.
However, the process of creating a new state in Nigeria remains complex and constitutionally demanding. It requires approval by the National Assembly, endorsement by a majority of State Houses of Assembly, and eventual assent by the President. In addition, such proposals often involve consultations, referendums, and broad political consensus.
Political analysts note that while Akpabio’s endorsement adds weight to the agitation, significant legislative and political hurdles remain before the proposal can become a reality.
The renewed attention to the Anioma State movement is likely to generate further debate among stakeholders within Delta State and beyond, particularly regarding issues such as resource sharing, administrative restructuring, and regional balance.
For proponents, however, the Senate President’s support represents a major step forward in what has been a long and persistent campaign for recognition and statehood.
