Insight into the agitation for creation of Anioma State

By Obinna Livinus

The proposed Anioma State is a longstanding demand by the Anioma people, an Igbo-speaking ethnic group in Delta State, Nigeria.

The Anioma region comprises nine local government areas in northern Delta State, including Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani.

The push for the creation of Anioma State stems from cultural, political, and economic considerations, as the Anioma people seek greater autonomy and development.

The Anioma people have a rich history tied to the Igbo ethnic group, with distinct cultural practices and traditions.

During the colonial era, the region was administered as part of the Southern Protectorate of Nigeria.

However, the post-colonial administrative restructuring did not fully address the unique identity of the Anioma people.

After Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country was divided into regions, and later states, based on ethnic and administrative considerations.

The Anioma people were grouped into the Mid-Western Region, later Bendel State, and after further restructuring, into Delta State in 1991.

This arrangement has been criticized for marginalizing the Anioma people, as they feel their interests are not adequately represented within Delta State.

The Anioma people identify strongly with their Igbo heritage, which they believe is not fully recognized within Delta State, where other ethnic groups dominate politically and economically.

Proponents argue that creating Anioma State would ensure better political representation and resource allocation for the region.

They believe that being part of Delta State has limited their access to federal resources and political influence.

The Anioma region is rich in natural resources, including oil and gas. Advocates for the state argue that a separate state would enable better management of these resources and foster economic growth.

With a smaller and more homogeneous population, an Anioma State could be more efficiently administered, leading to improved governance and service delivery.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has thrown his weight behind the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State as the sixth state in the South-East geopolitical zone.

This move aims to address the perceived marginalization of the Igbo people and balance the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria.

According to Kalu, the creation of Anioma State will help douse anger over the marginalization of the Igbo people.

He stated, “Anioma State should be created as the sixth South-East state. It’s the only state that will be viable to be created. This will help to address the imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria and ensure that the South-East is not left behind in terms of representation and development.”

Kalu emphasized that the creation of Anioma State is not just a political issue but also a matter of justice and fairness for the Igbo people.

The proposed Anioma State, initiated by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, seeks to “correct historical oversight.”

Nwoko argues that the South-East geopolitical zone has only five states, unlike other zones, except for the North-West, which has seven states.

This disparity results in an imbalance of representation and resources, with the South-East having only 15 lawmakers compared to 18 lawmakers in other zones.

Nwoko has been vocal about the need to address this imbalance, stating that the creation of Anioma State would not only benefit the Anioma people but also contribute to the overall development of the South-East region.

Various groups, such as the Anioma State Movement and the Anioma Congress, have been at the forefront of the campaign for the creation of Anioma State.

These groups have organized rallies, lobbied lawmakers, and engaged in public awareness campaigns.

Bills for the creation of Anioma State have been introduced in the Nigerian National Assembly on several occasions. However, none have been passed into law due to political and constitutional challenges.

The creation of a new state in Nigeria requires a constitutional amendment, which involves significant political consensus.

The process is often complicated by competing interests and the need for broad support from other regions.

The committee on state creation has rejected all 31 proposals, including Anioma State, citing failure to meet constitutional requirements.

The creation of Anioma State faces opposition from other ethnic groups in Delta State and political stakeholders who may perceive it as a threat to their influence.

Critics argue that creating a new state could strain Nigeria’s resources, as it would require additional administrative structures and funding.

The Anioma people’s Igbo identity has sometimes led to tensions with neighboring ethnic groups, complicating the push for state creation.

Kalu’s endorsement has sparked debate, with some arguing that creating more states may not be the solution to Nigeria’s problems.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Others believe that the creation of Anioma State would address the longstanding imbalance in the geopolitical distribution of states in Nigeria.

The creation of Anioma State remains a significant aspiration for the Anioma people, driven by their desire for cultural recognition, political representation, and economic development.

While the movement has made some progress, it faces substantial political and constitutional challenges.

The realization of Anioma State will depend on continued advocacy, political will, and broader national consensus on state creation in Nigeria.

Kalu’s support has added momentum to the campaign, but the journey towards achieving Anioma State is still fraught with obstacles that need to be navigated carefully.

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