By Patrick Nwanze
The renewed call for the creation of Anioma State and its inclusion within Nigeria’s Eastern bloc is not merely a political aspiration, it is a compelling demand rooted in justice, equity, historical continuity, and national cohesion.
For decades, the Anioma people have occupied a unique position within Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape. Despite undeniable cultural, linguistic, and ancestral ties with the Southeast, they have remained administratively placed in a structure that does not fully reflect their identity or collective aspirations. The time has come to address this imbalance with courage and clarity.
First, it is important to establish that identity should not be held hostage by distant historical narratives of origin or migration. Societies evolve. Communities grow. What must take precedence is present-day reality. Today, the Anioma people of Delta North share deep and unmistakable similarities in culture, heritage, and dialect with their Eastern neighbors. This lived experience should outweigh debates rooted in antiquity.
Equally significant is the argument surrounding geographical boundaries. The River Niger, often cited as a dividing line, should not be elevated into a rigid determinant of political or cultural alignment. Across Nigeria, rivers exist in abundance, yet they have not been used as absolute boundaries for defining identity or geopolitical belonging. To single out the Niger in this regard is inconsistent and unjust. National unity must be built on inclusivity, not on colonial-era conveniences.
History itself further strengthens the Anioma position. Long before colonial restructuring, Anioma people were part of the Eastern bloc, a reality that predates even the Ekumeku War of 1834. The Ekumeku resistance movement stands as a powerful symbol of collective struggle and shared destiny with Eastern neighbors. This historical alignment is not speculative, it is documented and lived.
Beyond identity and history, the creation of Anioma State presents clear practical advantages. It will help correct the imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure, where the Southeast remains the only zone with five states. Adding Anioma State would promote fairness in representation, resource distribution, and political participation.
Economically, Anioma is richly endowed with agricultural resources, oil and gas potential, and strategic commercial positioning. State creation would bring governance closer to the people, unlocking local potential and fostering targeted development. It would also enhance security through localized administration and improved responsiveness to regional challenges.
Importantly, the creation of Anioma State should not be misconstrued as divisive. On the contrary, it is a unifying step, one that addresses long-standing concerns and reinforces the principle that justice strengthens national loyalty. A Nigeria that listens, adapts, and includes is a Nigeria that thrives.
The demand for Anioma State is constitutional, peaceful, and legitimate. It calls on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to act in the spirit of fairness and national progress.
Nigeria’s greatness lies in its diversity, but its strength lies in how well that diversity is managed. The creation of Anioma State within the Eastern bloc is not just a regional issue, it is a national imperative.
Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma)President General, Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Principal Stakeholder National Zonal Leader, South-South(Renewed Initiatives for Grassroots Development)
