By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Government has affirmed that it has no objection to the formation of Anioma State, provided that the process adheres strictly to constitutional provisions.
This stance was communicated on Monday during a peaceful demonstration by Anioma youths representing the nine local government areas of Delta North, who gathered at the Government House in Asaba to renew their petition for the establishment of Anioma State and its allocation to the South-East geopolitical zone.
Speaking to the protesters at the Government House gate, the Chief of Staff, Prince Johnson Erijo, reassured them that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration respects the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to democratic principles, the supremacy of the rule of law, and the expression of the popular will.
Prince Erijo praised the youths for maintaining a peaceful and disciplined demonstration, highlighting it as evidence of their dedication and maturity in pursuing their cause.
He revealed that the governor had been fully informed about the protest and had tasked him with engaging the group personally to hear their concerns.
The Chief of Staff acknowledged that the call for the creation of Anioma State is reasonable and properly articulated, deserving earnest consideration.
Drawing on a biblical analogy, he emphasized that governments have a duty to respond to the sincere needs of their citizens, stating, “No earthly father would give a stone to a child who asks for bread.”
He further stressed the importance of unity among the Anioma people, pointing out that a clear, shared position would strengthen their campaign and help avoid divisions. “If the people agree on the Anioma they want, dissenting voices should have no place,” he noted.
Explaining the constitutional process for creating a new state, Prince Erijo outlined that it involves submitting petitions and memoranda to the National Assembly, legislative deliberations, and ultimately a referendum.
He clarified that such a referendum would encompass all Anioma-speaking areas, including Aniocha North and South, Oshimili North and South, Ika North East and Ika South, Ndokwa West and East, as well as neighboring communities like the Igbanke in Edo State.
He assured the demonstrators that if a referendum showed majority support for the new state, their wishes would be honored.
Prince Erijo reiterated that Governor Oborevwori does not oppose the creation of Anioma State and will back any lawful outcome that reflects the majority will.
He thanked the youths for their peaceful conduct and encouraged them to remain law-abiding as they continue advocating for Anioma State, assuring that the government will respect any consensus reached by the people.
Earlier, the youths, united under a coalition, restated their demand for the creation of Anioma State and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone. They emphasized their ancestral, cultural, and linguistic ties as Igbo people, insisting that their identity should be recognized and respected.
Representatives including Ofochi Atagana (Ukwuani youths), Ayo Ashiedu (Aniocha North), Kingsley Kainebi (Ika North East), and Chief Jude Ogbekile (Igbanke community) appealed to the Delta State Government for political and moral backing of their cause.
While acknowledging that the process of state creation is constitutionally regulated, they highlighted the pivotal role of governors in advancing such initiatives.
The youths described the creation of Anioma State as mutually beneficial, noting that Asaba would naturally serve as the capital of the new state, while Delta State could designate a new administrative center elsewhere.
Calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to support the Anioma State bill, they pledged to remain steadfast in their quest to reunite with their relatives across the Niger River.
