Senate President Godswill Akpabio has indicated that if a new state is created in the South-South region and Delta State is affected, the proposed Anioma State would have its capital in Asaba.
He made this known while speaking at the South-South zonal convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Asaba on Wednesday. Akpabio outlined a possible arrangement where Asaba would serve as the capital of Anioma State, while Warri would become the capital of the remaining Delta State.
However, he stressed that his support for the proposal depends on broad agreement across the region, noting that he would back it if it represents the collective interest of the South-South.
Akpabio also maintained that creating additional states could drive development, as long as the constitutional procedures are properly followed.
The call for the creation of Anioma State has been ongoing for years, with supporters arguing that it would help correct regional imbalances and promote faster development.
Speaking more informally, Akpabio recounted how Senator Ned Nwoko encouraged him to wear traditional Delta attire as a show of support for the Anioma cause. He joked about feeling “trapped,” but added that if state creation is the main demand of the South-South, he would be happy to support it.
Addressing the Delta State governor, he explained that if the proposal affects the state, Anioma’s capital would be in Asaba, while Warri would serve as the capital of Delta State.
He also dismissed fears around state creation, saying more states could translate into more development. According to him, once the proposal passes through the required legislative processes, including approvals by state Houses of Assembly, it would mark a positive step for regional growth.
Akpabio concluded by expressing optimism that the move would benefit the South-South and contribute to overall development.
