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Lawmakers representing Delta North Senatorial District and the nine local government chairmen from the area have firmly rejected proposals to situate a future Anioma State within the South-East geopolitical zone.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the leaders reaffirmed their long-standing demand for the creation of Anioma State but stressed that the new state must remain within the South-South, where the Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively rooted.

The position, they said, followed extensive consultations on renewed national conversations and ongoing legislative efforts on state creation.

Describing the agitation for Anioma State as “a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history,” the group said the struggle has been championed across generations to secure political identity, cultural preservation, and accelerated development for the Anioma people.

“Our quest for a distinct and autonomous Anioma State is not a fleeting political venture but a heritage passed down from our revered forebears,” the statement read. “We are united in the belief that the creation of Anioma State is a matter of justice, equity and a necessary step toward fulfilling the political and developmental destiny of our people.”

They reiterated their “total and unequivocal support” for the creation of Anioma State strictly from the existing nine local government areas of Delta North: Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani — with Asaba as the proposed capital.

The lawmakers and council chairmen pledged to deploy their full political weight to back every legitimate effort toward the state’s creation.

However, they condemned ongoing attempts to drag Anioma into a geopolitical realignment with the South-East, insisting that such proposals distort the people’s identity.

“We vehemently oppose any move or suggestion to merge Anioma with the South-East,” they declared. “Anioma is, and will remain, in the South-South. Our identity is non-negotiable.”

The leaders assured their constituents that they remain committed to defending the collective interest and heritage of the Anioma nation as national discussions on state creation continue.