ANIOMA STATE CREATION: A JUSTIFIED PURSUIT FOR EQUITY, NOT ETHNIC MERGER

The recent commentary by Engr. Ericson Mgbeme-Agba opposing the creation of Anioma State is not only disappointing but fundamentally flawed. His attempt to paint Anioma State agitation as an ethnic gamble ignores the historical injustice, structural imbalance, and political marginalization the people of Anioma have endured for decades.

Let me be clear: the creation of Anioma State is not about merging with the South-East or promoting Igbo expansionism. It is about correcting an imbalance, fostering development, and giving Anioma people a stronger political voice in Nigeria’s federal arrangement.

1. POLITICAL TENSION IS A WEAK EXCUSE FOR INJUSTICE

Resistance from Delta State elites is expected—but it is no justification for denying Anioma people their right to self-determination. Anioma has always played second fiddle in Delta. With the exception of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s tenure, Anioma people have been underrepresented in key political and economic decision-making spaces.

The claim that South-South states will see this as an Igbo agenda is misleading. Anioma is culturally and historically distinct, and any decision on zonal realignment will come after state creation and a democratic referendum. What Anioma people want is a state of their own—not to be annexed or used.

2. ECONOMIC CONCERNS ARE EXAGGERATED

The idea that Delta State will collapse economically without Anioma is fear-mongering. Every state creation has involved similar resource redistribution—from Bayelsa out of Rivers to Ebonyi out of Abia and Enugu. Yet the sky didn’t fall.

Moreover, Anioma’s oil-producing communities, especially in Ndokwa and parts of Ika, have long been neglected in spite of their contribution to Delta’s revenue. Creating a state will allow those areas to directly benefit from their resources, not through filtered trickle-downs from Asaba or Warri.

Yes, Anioma may rely on federal allocations initially—but so did most states at inception. Fiscal sustainability grows with administrative control, not by remaining in neglect.

3. GEOPOLITICAL BALANCE DEMANDS IT

The South-East has only five states, while every other zone has six or seven. This imbalance has weakened the region’s voice in national politics and budget allocation. Creating Anioma State—if zoned there—will be a step toward fairness.

Even if Anioma aligns with the South-South or remains neutral, the fact remains: the people deserve their own state—for administrative convenience, developmental focus, and democratic equity.

4. ANIOMA IDENTITY IS STRONG AND UNIQUE

Anioma includes diverse subgroups like Ukwuani, Ika, Enuani, and Ndokwa, with varying dialects and traditions. That diversity is not confusion—it is strength. The same way Delta State has multiple ethnic groups under one identity, Anioma can exist proudly without losing its internal uniqueness.

Arguments that Anioma is too “mixed” for a unified identity are lazy and dishonest. What unites Anioma people is a shared history of marginalization and a vision for a better governed future—not dialect uniformity.

5. COST OF STATE CREATION IS NOT GREATER THAN THE COST OF CONTINUED NEGLECT

Of course, state creation comes with administrative and infrastructural cost. But so does underdevelopment. How long will Ndokwa people wait for a federal road? For higher institutions? For job-creating industries?

Anioma has the manpower, landmass, natural resources, and administrative readiness to stand alone. We need access, not charity. The cost of continued exclusion is higher than the cost of transition.

6. FEAR OF ETHNIC AGITATIONS SHOULD NOT SILENCE A LEGITIMATE DEMAND

If other groups also demand states after Anioma, they should be assessed on merit. Nigeria is a federation, not a hostage arrangement. Suppressing Anioma’s aspirations because others may follow is undemocratic and unconstitutional.

Anioma’s quest is legal, legitimate, and long overdue. Let those who oppose it do so with facts—not fear.

7. DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN DELAYED LONG ENOUGH

The process of state creation may be bureaucratic—but it is worth it. We cannot continue to sacrifice long-term development for short-term political comfort. Anioma people have waited decades. The time to act is now.

CONCLUSION: ANIOMA STATE IS ABOUT EQUITY, NOT ETHNICITY

Engr. Mgbeme-e-Agba’s opposition to Anioma State creation is anchored on fear, not fact. The creation of Anioma is not about dissolving identities or merging with the South-East; it is about giving a people the right to shape their own destiny.

Let it be known: Anioma people are ready—not to break Delta, but to build their own path.

Justice delayed is justice denied. It is time for Anioma to rise.

Dr. Innocent Onyah, PhD, is a political commentator, development advocate, and proud son of Ukwuani from Abbi Kingdom