By Mick Oseji, Asaba
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has thrown his weight behind the proposed creation of a new state in the South-South, stating that Warri would serve as the capital of Delta State if the plan succeeds, while Asaba would become the capital of the proposed Anioma State.
Akpabio made the remarks on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) zonal convention held in Asaba, where he addressed party members and stakeholders.
Explaining his appearance in traditional Anioma attire, the Senate President credited Ned Nwoko for the outfit, describing it as a symbolic gesture of support for the proposed state.
“See me dressed like this, it is distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko who gave me the attire. When I arrived and observed how Deltans were dressed, I asked why I was not similarly attired.
He told me it was intentional to demonstrate support for the creation of Anioma State.
I said, ‘what a trap,’” he said humorously.
Akpabio, however, made it clear that he supports the agitation, noting that state creation could drive development across the region.
“But if that is the only demand from the South-South—state creation—then I should be very glad to support it,” he added.
He further reassured stakeholders that the proposed restructuring would not pose any threat to Delta State.
“For Anioma State, the capital will be in Asaba, while Delta State proper will have its capital in Warri. So, it is not a problem,” he said.
The Senate President also argued that increasing the number of states could accelerate development, expressing optimism that the proposal would scale legislative hurdles across state assemblies.
“I don’t think we should be afraid. The more states we have, the more development we can achieve. If it passes through the various Houses of Assembly, it means we have one additional state. It will be good and progressive for the development of the South-East,” he said.
