Immediate past Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has faulted Senator Ned Nwoko over his position on the proposed creation of Anioma State, accusing him of misrepresenting the wishes of the Anioma people.
Okowa made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oshimili South Local Government Area as part of consultations ahead of his 2027 Senate ambition.
He said contrary to claims attributed to Nwoko, the people of Delta North support the creation of Anioma State within the South South geopolitical zone, and not its alignment with the South East.
According to him, the proposed Anioma State should comprise the nine local government areas of Delta North, with Asaba retained as its capital.
“There’s been a lot of misconceptions and misrepresentation in the media concerning Anioma State,” Okowa said.
“I don’t believe there is any Anioma son opposed to the creation of Anioma State. The Anioma people want a state within the South South geopolitical zone, with Asaba as headquarters.”
The former governor also defended Asaba’s status as state capital, noting that its designation followed collective efforts by stakeholders in the past.
He cautioned against what he described as attempts to reverse established arrangements, saying such moves were “unwise” and not in line with the aspirations of the people.
Okowa further criticised the approach to the Anioma State agitation, describing it as a one-man effort that lacked proper consultation with stakeholders.
He stressed that broader engagement was necessary to reflect the true position of the people, rather than individual interpretations.
He added that the push for state creation must follow proper legislative procedures and reflect majority consensus among constituents.
