Anchored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), the bill aims to address the Southeast’s underrepresentation and foster national equity.
A major milestone in Nigeria’s push for inclusive federalism may be unfolding as over 90 senators reportedly back Senate Bill 481, which seeks to create Anioma State—potentially becoming the sixth in the Southeast.
Anchored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), the bill aims to address the Southeast’s underrepresentation and foster national equity. Senate leaders across political, ethnic, and religious divides—including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Victor Umeh—have declared support.
Nwoko emphasized in a May 27 letter to Senate President Akpabio that the move promotes justice and federal balance.
Meanwhile, Cross River’s Governor Otu and others across the South-South zone have echoed calls for new states, fiscal federalism, and state police during recent constitution review hearings. Governors Diri (Bayelsa) and Oborevwori (Delta) demanded more LGAs and resource control.
Analysts say Anioma’s case has transitioned from agitation to legislative reality, signaling widespread national alignment on equity-driven reforms.