By David Odama
A fresh wave of political debate has erupted over the proposed creation of Anioma State, with sharp disagreements emerging between former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ned Nwoko.
The controversy stems from arguments about whether Anioma should be aligned with the South East geopolitical zone or remain within the South South, a question that has reignited historical and cultural conversations across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Critics of Okowa’s position argue that Nigeria’s state boundaries have always been administrative arrangements rather than rigid inheritances. Delta itself was carved out of the old Western Region, while Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River all emerged from the old Eastern Region.
Against this backdrop, they contend that Anioma’s predominantly Igbo-speaking population and cultural ties make alignment with the South East neither unusual nor controversial.
Professor Sandra Duru, in a strongly worded commentary, described Okowa’s resistance as “shallow for the level of leadership it is coming from.” She insisted that the debate should be rooted in equity, representation, and intelligent restructuring rather than personal rivalries.
“Dragging this issue into petty political warfare against Ned Nwoko only exposes a lack of depth. This is bigger than personalities, and reducing it to that level is both disappointing and intellectually weak,” she said.
Duru further noted that Okowa’s own name reflects Igbo heritage, questioning why identity should suddenly become inconvenient when it does not serve a political narrative.
She dismissed claims that Nwoko was responsible for Okowa’s political struggles, framing them instead as personal outcomes of his career trajectory.
Supporters of Anioma’s alignment with the South East argue that the move would enhance fairness in state distribution across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, while critics warn against politicising the issue.
As the debate intensifies, observers say the conversation reflects broader tensions over Nigeria’s federal structure, identity politics, and the quest for equitable representation.
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