NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. Published by Africa’s international award-winning journalist, Mr. Isaac Umunna, NEWS EXPRESS is Nigeria’s first truly professional online daily newspaper. It is published from Lagos, Nigeria’s economic and media hub, and has a provision for occasional special print editions. Thanks to our vast network of sources and dedicated team of professional journalists and contributors spread across Nigeria and overseas, NEWS EXPRESS has become synonymous with newsbreaks and exclusive stories from around the world.
The Nigerian Senate
As the National Assembly intensifies efforts to amend the Constitution, there are indications that no fewer than 85 Senators have thrown their weight behind the clamour for the creation of Anioma State.
The signatures of the Senators are being obtained following the letter written and personally addressed to each of the Senators of the 10th National Assembly by Sen. Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate.
Senator Nwoko is championing the cause for the creation of the new state in the interest of national development, justice, and federal balance.
In the letter dated May 27, 2025, and addressed to the Senate President and all distinguished members of the Senate, Nwoko sought their endorsement and support for the creation of Anioma State — a constitutional proposal captured under Senate Bill 481, currently undergoing legislative consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Senator Nwoko challenged his colleagues to rise to the occasion with courage, vision, and a commitment to justice. “Let us be remembered as the Senate that brought balance to Nigeria’s state structure and healed a longstanding national wound,” he appealed.
In the letter titled “Anioma as Equity State,” Nwoko emphasised that the creation of Anioma State is not merely about redrawing boundaries or political convenience — it is a matter of equity, fair representation, and justice. He pointed out that the Southeast currently has five states, while other geopolitical zones have six or seven states.
“Anioma State, to be carved out of Delta State, is a just and logical solution to this imbalance,” he asserted, describing Anioma as a region with deep cultural and historical ties to the Southeast. “Its creation will not only bring balance to Nigeria’s geopolitical structure but also promote national unity by addressing a longstanding grievance of the Igbo nation,” he added.
This is as the Ndigbo Progressive Traditional Rulers Forum has also thrown its full weight behind the initiative.
In a letter dated May 15, 2025, signed by HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu (Oroko Abia), Diawa I of Umudiawu Ancient Kingdom, Chairman of the Forum, and HRM Igwe Sunny Orah, Secretary, the traditional rulers praised Senator Nwoko for his leadership and pledged their unwavering support.
“Your vision, passion, and courage in championing this noble cause resonate deeply with our mission as traditional rulers to uphold unity and fairness among all Igbo people,” they noted.
“We are proud to identify with you in this historic endeavour and formally declare our support for the creation of Anioma State. Our Forum is committed to adding our royal voice and influence to this just cause and collaborating with you in every constructive way possible.” (The Guardian)