History beckons on the prospects of the creation of Anioma state, as the 10th Nigerian Senate schedules public hearing for Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July 2025 in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.
The public hearing comes on the heels of the first and second reading of the bill on Anioma state creation sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senator Ned Nwoko would attend the historic event at Ikot Ekpene along with a retinue of other lawmakers.
Stakeholders from all quarters including traditional rulers, opinion leaders, academics,youths and women groups as well as socio cultural organizations have been mobilized to make submissions at the public hearing.
It would be recalled that Senator Nwoko recently set up a high- powered Technical committee headed by the Asagba of Asaba ,HRM Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge,SAN,as Chairman and Dein of Agbor, HRM Ikenchukwu Kikagborekuze , co-chairman to assist in driving the Anioma state creation quest.
Speaking on the proposed public hearing, Senator Nwoko described the Senate event as all- important and appealed for mass participation.
The federal lawmaker said the agitation was in line with the wishes and yearnings of past and present generations of Anioma people.
According to Senator Nwoko, the quest remained a “compelling historical movement” and noted that “legendary figures like Sir Dennis Osadede, Obi professor Chike Edozien and Senator Nosike Ikpo initiated the process” which dated over 50 years.
In the words of Nwoko:
“The people of Delta North earnestly desire Anioma.Their aspiration align with the vision of Anioma founding fathers. Like I often say, I didn’t start the agitation but I hope to finish it. It is a struggle for our history and identity. Not pursuit of personal glory. A demand rooted in our collective dream as a people.
“I am confident that Anioma would be created.I thank President Bola Tinubu for his understanding as well the Senate and House of Representatives for their support so far. I believe majority of the states across the South South and South East zones would back Anioma to become a reality”
Public expectations are high about Anioma state creation ,against the background of the protracted history of agitation and Senator Nwoko’s acknowledged resilience and commitment to nation- building, since 1999 when he rose to prominence as one of the most outstanding members of House of Representatives.
He was elected Senator representing Delta North in 2023 and chairs the Senate committee on Reparations and Repatriation among other legislative engagements.
