Former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa has criticised Senator Ned Nwoko over his campaign for the creation of Anioma State, accusing him of misrepresenting the wishes of the people of Delta North.
Okowa made the remarks while addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili South Local Government Area during consultations linked to his reported 2027 senatorial ambition.
The former governor stated that while the people of Delta North are generally in support of the creation of Anioma State, their preference is for the proposed state to remain within the South-South geopolitical zone—not to be aligned with the South-East as allegedly being suggested.
He stressed that the vision for Anioma State should reflect the collective will of the people, comprising the existing nine local government areas, with Asaba serving as its capital.
Okowa described Nwoko’s push as poorly handled, accusing him of acting without adequate consultation. According to him, the process of state creation requires broad-based engagement and consensus, not a unilateral approach.
He argued that political leaders must remain connected to the people they represent and understand their priorities before advancing major proposals.
Highlighting the historical struggle that led to Asaba becoming the capital of Delta State, Okowa criticised any suggestion that could undermine its current status. He noted that Asaba has continued to grow and remains central to the identity and aspirations of the Anioma people.
Okowa also questioned the timing of the agitation, pointing out that the current legislative cycle is nearing its end, making discussions around state creation less practical at the moment.
He suggested that raising the issue now could mislead the public, adding that any meaningful progress toward state creation must follow due legislative processes and proper timing.
Reaffirming his support for the creation of Anioma State, Okowa emphasised that it must be pursued through unity and collective decision-making involving stakeholders, the people of the region, and the state government.
He maintained that only a coordinated and widely supported effort would make the creation of the proposed state achievable.