Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared on Wednesday that Anioma State will be created with Asaba as its capital. He also stated that Warri will become the capital of Delta State if the proposal succeeds.
Akpabio Announces Support
Akpabio made the announcement at the All Progressives Congress zonal convention held in Asaba. He addressed the gathering while wearing traditional Anioma attire.
“See me dressed like this, it is distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko who gave me the attire,” Akpabio stated. He added, “When I arrived and observed how Deltans were dressed, I asked why I was not similarly attired. He told me it was intentional to demonstrate support for the creation of Anioma State. I said, ‘what a trap.'”
Legislative Commitment
The Senate President expressed his full backing for the state creation bid. He stated, “But if that is the only demand from the Southsouth, state creation, then I should be very glad to support it.”
He outlined the proposed administrative changes. “Your Excellency the Governor, if it is affecting Delta, let me tell you how it will be,” Akpabio said. “For Anioma state, the capital will be in Asaba, then for Delta state proper, the capital will be in Warri. So it is not a problem.”
Development Argument
Akpabio argued that additional states would boost regional development. He stated, “I don’t think we should be afraid because the more states we have, the more the development.”
He explained the legislative process ahead. “If it passes through in the various Houses of Assembly, it then means we have one additional state,” he said. “It will definitely be good and progressive for the development of the South Eastern Nigeria. May God bless the proponents.”
As reported by ALO360, the proposal represents a significant potential restructuring of the South-South geopolitical landscape.
