Okowa Nwoko Anioma State dispute escalates as Okowa accuses senator of misleading the public on proposed state creation
Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has accused Senator Ned Nwoko of misleading the public over the proposed creation of Anioma State, amid renewed political debate surrounding the long-discussed agitation.
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Okowa made the remarks during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oshimili South Local Government Area, where he also addressed concerns tied to his senatorial ambition and the timing of ongoing state creation discussions.
Dispute between Okowa and Nwoko on Anioma State intensified after the former governor questioned the practicality of advancing such proposals within the current legislative timetable, warning that doing so could create false expectations among the public.
He stressed that any move toward the creation of Anioma State must be rooted in the collective will of the people, insisting that no indigene of the region is opposed to the idea in principle.
Okowa further clarified that the envisioned Anioma State should comprise the nine local government areas of Delta North within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba retained as the capital.
He criticised what he described as attempts to alter Asaba’s status as Delta State capital, calling such suggestions misguided and historically uninformed.
Okowa referenced the historical efforts that led to Asaba becoming the state capital, warning that undermining its position could destabilise development gains achieved over the years.
He also argued that consultation remains essential in any political or constitutional process, stressing that leaders must remain connected to the wishes of their people.
According to him, discussions around state creation at this stage of the legislative cycle are unrealistic and risk misleading citizens into believing immediate outcomes are possible.
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Okowa reaffirmed that Anioma State remains a possibility, but said any decision must emerge from a broad consensus involving stakeholders and government authorities at the appropriate time.
