Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has accused Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of lacking understanding regarding the benefits of state creation and actively opposing the proposed Anioma State.
Speaking at an event in Ogwashi-Uku, Oshimili North Local Government Area, organized by the APC Women Support Group in collaboration with Rita Daniels Single Parenthood, Girl Child Initiative, and the Regina Daniels Charity and Development Foundation, Nwoko disclosed that the governor had instructed his aides to oppose the Anioma State initiative, citing concerns over personal and political interests.
“The governor told me he would not support the creation of Anioma State,” Nwoko stated. “He even warned his aides against the project, effectively turning them into opponents. But let me be clear — nothing will stop Anioma State from becoming a reality, not even the governor.”
The senator noted that the bill for Anioma State had successfully passed its second reading in the Senate and had now reached the public hearing stage. “After this, it will go back for a third reading and then to the President for assent,” he said.
Tracing the history of Anioma State advocacy, Nwoko criticized past leaders from the Delta North region — including former senators Osakwe, Nwaoboshi, and Okowa — for being hesitant to pursue the cause due to fears of political power redistribution. He emphasized that the creation of a new state would bring significant developmental benefits, such as increased political representation and government infrastructure.
According to Nwoko, the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the only party committed to seeing Anioma State become a reality. “If anyone in other political parties claims to support Anioma, it’s only for their stomachs — not for the interest of Anioma people,” he said.
Explaining his recent defection to the APC, Nwoko revealed that he met with President Bola Tinubu on January 1, 2025, followed by meetings with the Senate President and other APC stakeholders. “They told me Anioma State creation could only become an APC project if I joined the party. So I did — for the sake of the project,” he said. “Now, every APC member on the committee I serve with supports Anioma State.”
Nwoko’s statements signal rising political tension in Delta State, especially as the push for Anioma State enters a critical legislative phase.
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