Former Delta State Governor and Delta North senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has reaffirmed his commitment to the creation of Anioma State within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba as its capital.
Okowa made the declaration at Obinomba during an interactive town-hall session with the people of Ukwuani Local Government Area, where he clarified his position on the long-standing agitation for Anioma State.
He maintained that, if elected to the Senate and an opportunity for state creation emerged, the proposed State must comprise the nine local government areas of Delta North, with its capital in Asaba.
The former governor dismissed insinuations that he was opposed to the creation of Anioma State and described such claims as misinformation contrived to mislead the people.
He emphasized that the actualisation of Anioma State would require more than wishful thinking, insisting that it must be pursued through strategic engagement and collective resolve.
“My desire has always been to have an Anioma State centred in the South-South, comprising the nine local government areas in Delta North, with its capital in Asaba.” Okowa said.
The APC senatorial candidate said he does not believe in making political noise over the Anioma agitation but would rather pursue the quest in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Delta State Governor, whenever there are opportunities for state creation.
“In humility, I am ready to work with all arms of government to achieve the best for our people. I will not be an absentee senator,” he assured.
Okowa also pledged to work with the state and federal governments to ensure that the Okpai electricity project in Ndokwa land received desired attention.
On the economic reforms of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, the former governor said the policies were necessary to secure Nigeria’s economic future.
According to him, a leader is one who will take a decision that is good for today and tomorrow, guided by the enduring interests of the people.
Okowa commended the Federal Government for establishing NELFUND- interest-free loan scheme for students in tertiary institutions and noted that the social intervention initiative has given millions of families access to education.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ukwuani APC Campaign Council and Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Fidelis Tilije, acknowledged Okowa’s leadership qualities and political experience, He assured that the people of Ukwuani would vote for him and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the Ukwuani APC Chairman, Mr Solomon Osakwe, said Okowa’s achievements in public office had placed him ahead of his political opponents. He expressed optimism that the APC would secure a landslide victory in the forthcoming elections.
The member representing Ukwuani Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe, also commended Okowa for what he described as his sterling performance as governor and called on the people to give him massive support.
On his part, the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Hon. Possible Ajede, said Okowa’s integrity and experience had earned him widespread admiration from both young and old.
The town-hall engagement with Okowa also featured a robust question and session on the needs and challenges of the people.
