Ned Nwoko affirms Anioma people’s proud Igbo heritage, says they will become the sixth South-East state

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, has reiterated that the Anioma people of Delta State are proudly Igbo and could become the sixth state in the South-East region.....Read Full Article>>

Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Wednesday, Nwoko highlighted the long-standing marginalization of the South-East, which currently has only five states.

He expressed confidence that the Federal Government would eventually create an additional state, potentially drawing it from Delta State to provide either a seventh state for the South-South or a sixth for the South-East.

“The creation of Anioma State is very feasible, and the need for self-determination is strong,” Nwoko said, adding that his constituency, which includes nine local government areas—six of which are oil and gas producers—has a deep agricultural background, though impacted by oil pollution.

He continued, “Anioma has been clamoring for statehood for over 50 years. We, the Aniomas, are proudly Igbo and would serve as the sixth Ndigbo state.”

Nwoko underscored that creating this state could address some of the grievances of the Igbo people. “The South-East is the only part of Nigeria with only five states, while other regions have six, except the North-West, which has seven. The youth agitating in IPOB or ESN are primarily voicing concerns of marginalization, particularly the fewer states.”

He added that establishing Anioma State as either a sixth for the South-East or seventh for the South-South would offer a significant sense of inclusion to Igbo people.

Previously, Nwoko clarified that his support for the creation of Anioma State stems from his commitment to the welfare and development of his constituents, rather than any gubernatorial ambitions.