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By Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
A psychologist once observed in a widely circulated publication titled “What You Need to Know About Willpower: The Psychological Science of Self-Control” that if human beings possessed greater self-control, they would eat better, exercise regularly, avoid harmful habits, save for the future, and ultimately achieve noble goals.
The study, referenced from the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America Survey, identified lack of willpower as the number one reason people fail to follow through on positive life changes. Yet, it also found that most individuals believe willpower can be learned and strengthened over time.
This notion of persistence, discipline, and belief in eventual success mirrors the decades-long agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
There are moments in the life of a nation when a single political pronouncement carries the weight of history, justice, and long-suppressed identity. The recent remark by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during a public function in Asaba that the long-awaited creation of a new state in the South East will culminate in Anioma State, with Asaba as its capital represents one such defining moment.
This is not merely a political development; it is a profound statement of recognition, restitution, and national recalibration.
For decades, the agitation for Anioma State has endured as one of Nigeria’s most consistent yet underappreciated demands for state creation. Now, with indications that deliberations have reached an advanced stage, awaiting only formal proclamation, the movement has received its most significant boost yet.
At the heart of this development lies the relentless advocacy of Senator Ned Nwoko. While the demand for Anioma State predates him, it is undeniable that he has emerged as the most influential contemporary voice driving its realization. His ability to align historical justice with political pragmatism has elevated the issue from regional agitation to national discourse.
To fully appreciate the significance of this moment, one must revisit the deep historical roots of the Anioma identity. The Anioma people, largely of Igbo extraction, occupy a unique geographical and political space within Delta State. Despite their cultural and linguistic affinity with the South East, they remain administratively part of the South South geopolitical zone—an arrangement that has long fostered a sense of political and cultural displacement.
This identity question is far from trivial. It speaks to belonging, recognition, and inclusion within Nigeria’s federal structure. The creation of Anioma State is therefore not just about new boundaries; it is about restoring coherence to a people’s identity.
The urgency of this demand is further underscored by one of the darkest episodes in Nigeria’s history the Asaba Massacre of October 1967. During the early days of the Nigerian Civil War, federal troops entered Asaba and executed unarmed civilians in large numbers. The atrocity left deep psychological scars that have endured across generations and remain insufficiently acknowledged in the nation’s historical narrative.
Within this context, the call for Anioma State acquires a deeper moral dimension. It becomes not only an administrative necessity but also an act of historical recognition—an affirmation that the lives lost are neither forgotten nor ignored.
Beyond history, the argument for Anioma State is strengthened by considerations of equity. The South East geopolitical zone currently has five states, unlike other zones that have six or more. This imbalance has long translated into political and economic disadvantages.
Integrating Anioma State into the South East offers a pragmatic solution. It corrects structural inequity without fragmenting existing states, thereby avoiding unnecessary tensions. It is, in effect, an additive and stabilizing approach to national restructuring.
Another important dimension is the broader unifying potential of the Anioma project. Igbo-speaking communities in Edo State—including Igbanke, Iru, Ogbagie, Igbo-Giri, Owa Ri Uzo, Otobaye, Oghada, Ute-Oha-Eze, Ekpon, and others—have expressed interest in being part of the proposed state. Through memoranda presented at public hearings, these communities have cited shared heritage and longstanding marginalisation as reasons for seeking inclusion.
This transforms Anioma from a mere state creation effort into a wider project of cultural reintegration and political inclusion.
The significance of the Senate President’s statement cannot be overstated. As the third-ranking official in the country, his pronouncement signals that the Anioma proposal has moved from speculation into the realm of actionable policy.
For advocates who have sustained this struggle across decades, this moment represents validation.
However, it is also a moment that demands unity, strategic engagement, and careful implementation. The eventual creation of Anioma State will require clear frameworks for boundary delineation, resource allocation, and administrative setup.
For the broader Igbo nation, this development marks a significant expansion of political space and representation. More importantly, it demonstrates that sustained, constructive engagement within Nigeria’s democratic framework can yield meaningful results.
At a time when national cohesion is frequently tested, the Anioma initiative offers a compelling model. It shows that fairness, inclusion, and recognition are not abstract ideals but practical tools for building a more balanced federation.
Ultimately, the creation of Anioma State is about more than geography. It is about dignity, memory, and belonging. It is about acknowledging the past while shaping a more inclusive future.
As Nigeria awaits the formal proclamation, one thing is clear: the Anioma journey has entered its निर्णative phase. And in that journey, the convergence of historical justice, political will, and principled advocacy may well redefine the contours of Nigeria’s federal landscape.
• Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
Founder, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA); former National Commissioner, National Human Rights Commission