Former Delta governor accuses senator of pushing divisive plans, insists Anioma State must remain in South-South with Asaba as capital

Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has launched a sharp criticism of Senator Ned Nwoko, accusing him of pursuing an agenda that could derail the long-standing push for the creation of Anioma State.

Speaking on Tuesday during a stakeholder meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili South Local Government Area—part of consultations ahead of his 2027 senatorial bid—Okowa alleged that Nwoko is attempting to reposition Anioma within the South-East geopolitical zone, a move he said would undermine the region’s collective interest.

He further claimed that the senator’s position includes efforts to strip Asaba of its status as a state capital—an idea he described as unacceptable and out of touch with the aspirations of the Anioma people.

Okowa maintained that there is a broad consensus across Delta North in favour of creating Anioma State within the South-South geopolitical zone, comprising the nine local government areas, with Asaba firmly retained as the capital.

“There have been misconceptions and misrepresentations about Anioma State,” Okowa said, insisting that no true indigene of the region opposes its creation under the South-South framework.

In a veiled jab at Nwoko, he defended Asaba’s historical emergence as Delta State’s capital, warning against attempts to diminish its status. He stressed that the city’s position was the result of deliberate struggle and political effort, not something to be casually discarded.

Okowa also criticised what he described as a lack of wide consultation in Nwoko’s approach, arguing that any serious push for state creation must be rooted in grassroots consensus and inclusive engagement.

He questioned the urgency of the senator’s campaign, noting that the constitutional process for state creation is not currently at a decisive phase, and cautioned against misleading the public on the feasibility of such proposals.

Reaffirming his support for the creation of Anioma State, Okowa emphasised that success would depend on unity among stakeholders, adherence to constitutional procedures, and collaboration with relevant authorities.