Senator Ned Nwoko briefed HRM that the steering committee in the constitutional review of the Nigerian Senate has actually scheduled a public hearing on the proposed Anioma State for July 4-5, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, has already gone through its first and second readings.
Key points about the Anioma State creation proposal highlighted by the senator include:
- Proposed Capital: Asaba is expected to be the state capital.
- Public Hearing: Stakeholders, including traditional rulers, intellectuals, community leaders, youth and women groups, and socio-cultural organizations, are expected to participate.
- Senator Nwoko’s Stance: He believes the creation of Anioma State is a historical movement that will bring progress and cultural identity to the people.
HRM Asagba Azinge warmly welcomed Hon. Prince Ned Munir Nwoko to his palace, commending his proactive efforts as a Senator, particularly highlighting his presented bills in the Senate. The Monarch expressed gratitude for Sen. Prince Nwoko’s initiative on the bill to upgrade Federal Technical College, Asaba into a full-fledged university, sees it as a significant development for the Asaba community.
Nna Agu also expressed optimism about the creation of Anioma State, believing Prince Nwoko’s involvement is crucial to its realization. He advised the Senator to collaborate with Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, emphasizing the importance of unity between traditional rulers and government officials in achieving this goal. HRM Asagba Azinge emphasized the importance of inclusivity, suggesting that more Asaba sons be included in the technical committee for Anioma State creation. He noted that after discussing the matter in the Asagba Executive Council meeting, he would revert to Senator Ned Nwoko with further insights.
The monarch also expressed reservations about the proposed chairman of the committee, suggesting instead that the individual could serve as a consultant.
Nna Agu stressed that Asaba’s participation in the Anioma creation effort hinges on the involvement of people from across the Niger, emphasizing that the initiative should focus on the South-South region. He offered the Asaba community’s support for Senator Nwoko’s endeavors and suggested utilizing documents from the 2014 National Conference in his archives at his Abuja residence on the Anioma prospect as a guiding framework. HRM Asagba Azinge concluded by wishing the Senator success in his pursuits.
