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Ned Nwoko: Anioma State Agitation Now a Structured National Process, Not Emotional Quest
The Chairman of Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), says the renewed agitation for the creation of Anioma State has evolved from a cultural aspiration into one of the most organized and credible state-creation bids in Nigeria’s recent history.
He said the demand is no longer an emotional pursuit but a disciplined quest for equity, anchored on correcting long-standing structural imbalances within the federation.
In a statement by his Director of Communications, Gloria Okolugbo, titled *“Anioma: The Journey So Far,” Nwoko said the movement has reached a defining moment where *“history is no longer being imagined; it is being negotiated and documented stage by stage.”
According to the statement, the lawmaker and business tycoon noted that the earliest advocacy for Anioma was rooted in cultural consciousness. Traditional institutions and cultural groups across Delta North consistently projected the identity shared by the Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa and Ukwuani people.
This cultural clarity, he said, gave political legitimacy to the demand and provided a united social foundation for subsequent constitutional engagement.
The statement said further that- “A major turning point came when Senator Nwoko sponsored a bill to create Anioma State from the nine local government areas of Delta North. The statement described the move as historic, giving the agitation a clearly defined geographic and constitutional structure.
“Senator Ned did more than sponsor a bill, he provided population data, economic viability indices, administrative footprints and cultural coherence — elements required under the constitution for the creation of a new state.
“The Senate debate that followed reportedly showed broad bipartisan support, placing Anioma firmly on the national legislative agenda for the first time in years.”
The statement explained that as the Constitution Review Committee examined state creation proposals nationwide, Anioma stood out for having both historical grounding and constitutional clarity.
During national committee retreats in Kano and Lagos, Anioma’s proposal — built around nine clearly defined LGAs — consistently met constitutional thresholds relating to population, geography and administrative viability. It was eventually shortlisted as one of the viable proposals and recognized as a strong candidate for the long-awaited sixth state in the South East.
He also disclosed that national discussions have shifted toward a unified demand for one additional state in the South East. She noted that various groups from Imo, Anambra and parts of Delta presented different proposals, but sustained dialogue has led to convergence around a single harmonized position — with Anioma emerging as a leading candidate due to its constitutional coherence.
Outlining the remaining milestones, the statement listed the adoption of boundary frameworks by subcommittees, securing two-thirds approval from state assemblies, the referendum to confirm the people’s will, and final approval by the National Assembly.
*“These stages demand unity, strategy and unwavering commitment to the greater good of the proposed state and the South East,”* it added.
According to the statement, the creation of Anioma State would deliver balanced development, improve equity in the federation and address long-standing political disparities.
“Anioma has moved from aspiration to national recognition; from recognition to legislative documentation; and now approaches the threshold of constitutional reality,”* it stated.
As the movement approaches the referendum stage, Nwoko called on all Anioma citizens to participate fully, warning that apathy could undermine the will of the people.
“The referendum is not a formality — it is Anioma speaking for itself,”* the statement concluded. *“This is the defining moment, and every vote will shape the future we have worked for.”
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has revealed that it investigated the founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, for six months over suspected money laundering before clearing him.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Commission, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking at the Jerry Eze Foundation Business Grant Award Ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the probe was triggered by intelligence reports and petitions after the commission observed large inflows of foreign currencies into the cleric’s domiciliary account.
“We work by intelligence, we work by petitions. At some point, I saw there was an account, a domiciliary account. Dollars, pounds were dropping in like raindrops, from Colombia, from America, from Sri Lanka, even from Togo.
“I said who is this man? Yes, I’ve been hearing about his name, I’ve seen his face a couple of times. I never bothered about what he was doing. I knew he was a pastor.
“So they said this one pastor of streams of joy, go and investigate him. So we went to the investigation. We combed the books,” Olukoyede stated.
The EFCC boss said he subsequently invited Eze for questioning after preliminary findings were compiled by investigators.
He added that upon meeting the cleric and reviewing the findings of the investigation, the commission found no wrongdoing.
“So he came to my office. He told me what happens and all of that, and how the money came, what he does, how he has been helping people, and all of that.
“I said, you know what, I didn’t call you here to explain to me. We have already done our work. I called you here to commend you,” he stated.
The remark drew applause from the audience, as Eze, who was present at the event, acknowledged the commendation.
He noted that the commission has a responsibility not only to investigate financial crimes but also to recognise individuals found to have acted with integrity.
The EFCC chairman, however, stated that the agency would continue to monitor financial activities where necessary, stressing that its preventive mandate remains critical in tackling corruption.
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