Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for calm amid concerns surrounding the proposal to create Anioma State and rumors that Asaba might no longer serve as its capital.
While neither confirming nor denying the rumors, the Governor emphasized that both creating a new state and choosing its capital are collective decisions guided strictly by constitutional procedures and the will of the people.
The Governor made this statement on Monday while addressing a large crowd of Asaba residents who staged a peaceful march to the Government House gate to express their worries about rumors that the proposed state’s capital could be moved from the city.
The Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, speaking on behalf of the Governor, praised the protesters for their peaceful behavior, saying the protest represented a unified stance of the entire Asaba community.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated that no individual or group has the authority to unilaterally decide the capital of a proposed state, stressing that such matters follow a rigorous constitutional process.
“The creation of a state requires a structured constitutional pathway. There must be memoranda, legislative discussions, and even a referendum where the entire Delta North population can have their say. No one can wake up and decide where the capital of the proposed Anioma State will be,” he assured.
He added that the concerns expressed by the Asaba community had been duly acknowledged and would be taken very seriously.
According to him, members of the legislative caucus and local government chairmen from Delta North had already met and unanimously opposed any plan to relocate the proposed capital from Asaba.
The Governor praised Asaba as a rapidly developing, safe, and strategically located city that continues to attract people from across the Niger River, emphasizing that all decisions regarding the proposed Anioma State would be based on fairness, logic, and the collective agreement of the people.
“The government will not act against the will and aspirations of the people. At the right time, the collective voice of Delta North will decide every step,” he assured.
He thanked the Asaba community for their steadfast support and for their role as gracious hosts to the state government and residents, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace, unity, and protecting the people’s interests.
Earlier, the protesters’ spokesperson, Mr. Chike Ifesiokwu, said the demonstration was necessary due to reports of an alleged plot to move the proposed state’s capital away from Asaba.
He condemned the rumored move as “evil, retrogressive, ill-motivated and divisive,” insisting that Asaba’s historical importance, political relevance, and strategic position make it irreplaceable.
He highlighted the city’s rich heritage, noting that Asaba has produced prominent national figures, including a former Acting Governor-General of Nigeria, the country’s first President of the Senate, the Premier of the old Mid-West Region, and a judge of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal.
“With such a pedigree, it is unacceptable for anyone to even suggest relocating the capital to what is essentially a glorified village,” he stated.
Mr. Ifesiokwu accused those promoting the relocation narrative of being driven by “transient power,” adding that their influence is only from temporary proximity to authority.
He vowed that the people of Asaba would resist any attempt to undermine their identity and collective interests.
He emphasized Asaba’s evolution into a peaceful, cosmopolitan, and rapidly growing urban center that attracts people from across the Southeast and beyond.
Praising Governor Oborevwori as “a pragmatic leader doing wonderfully well for Delta State,” he urged the Chief of Staff to convey the community’s solidarity to the Governor.
“We are peaceful people, but we will mobilize fully to ensure that such a plan does not stand,” he said.
He praised the state government for engaging with the protesters and reaffirmed Asaba’s commitment to peaceful dialogue while advocating for its rightful place.
