Tinubu to sign bill creating new state in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has expressed readiness to sign into law the bill proposing the creation of Anioma State and Asaba as its proposed capital, once it scales through all constitutional requirements in the National Assembly.
The assurance was disclosed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who is leading the movement for the establishment of the new state.
During the Izu Anioma Towns Union cultural festival held in Abuja, Senator Nwoko stated that 97 senators have already endorsed the proposal for Anioma State.
He said the bill, which he introduced two years ago, seeks to create Anioma from the nine local government areas of Delta North, four in Aniocha and Oshimili, two in Ika, and three in Ndokwa.
According to him, nearby communities such as Igbanke have also indicated interest in joining the proposed state.
Nwoko explained that the bill recommends the creation of only one new state in the country, which would be Anioma.
He added that both the Senate and House Committees on Constitutional Amendment have agreed that the South-East geopolitical zone deserves a sixth state for balance, and Anioma remains the most suitable option.
The senator revealed that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu are both in support of the process.
He said intense consultations and lobbying are ongoing to ensure the proposal succeeds.
A regional adoption meeting is also scheduled to take place in Awka, Anambra State, where governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and Anioma leaders will formally adopt Anioma as their preferred state for creation.
Nwoko described the ongoing amendment process as a major breakthrough for a struggle that began as far back as 1954.
He listed the next steps to include documentation to the Presidency, approval by state assemblies and governors, and finally, a national referendum where residents will vote on the creation of the state.
Once these stages are completed, President Tinubu is expected to sign the law establishing Anioma State.
He urged the people of Anioma to remain united and prayerful as the process enters its final stage.
