Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has appealed for calm as concerns spread over debates surrounding the proposed creation of Anioma State and speculations that Asaba may lose its place as the capital.
Addressing the issues on Monday, December 1, 2025, the Governor made it clear that no individual, group or rumour mill has the power to decide the capital of a yet-to-be-created state. Such decisions, he stressed, follow a strict constitutional process and reflect the collective will of the people.
The Governor’s message was conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, when he received a large crowd of Asaba indigenes who marched peacefully to Government House to protest alleged plans to relocate the proposed capital.
Oborevwori commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct, acknowledging the demonstration as a clear expression of Asaba’s united position on the matter. He reassured them that their concerns had been noted and would be treated with utmost seriousness.
“The creation of a state is not an individual affair,” he said. “It follows a constitutional pathway that involves memoranda, legislative debates and, if necessary, a referendum. No one can unilaterally wake up to determine the capital of the proposed Anioma State.”
He disclosed that legislators and local government chairmen from Delta North had already met and unanimously rejected any attempt to shift the proposed capital away from Asaba.
Describing Asaba as a fast-growing, peaceful and strategically located city that attracts people from across the Niger, the Governor promised that all decisions on Anioma State would be based on fairness, logic and the collective voice of Delta North.
“The government will not act against the will and aspirations of the people. At the appropriate time, it is the people who will determine every step,” he assured.
He thanked the Asaba community for their steadfast support and for hosting the state government and residents over the years, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to unity and the protection of the people’s interests.
Earlier, spokesperson for the protesters, Mr. Chike Ifesiokwu, said the protest became necessary following reports of an alleged plot to relocate the capital of the proposed state. He condemned the rumoured move as “evil, retrogressive, ill-motivated and divisive.”
Ifesiokwu insisted that Asaba’s political relevance, strategic importance and historical pedigree make it irreplaceable. He noted that the city has produced notable 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 pedigree, it is unacceptable for anyone to even suggest moving the capital to what is essentially a glorified village,” he declared.
He accused those promoting the relocation narrative of being driven by “transient power” derived from temporary access to authority, and warned that the people of Asaba would resist any attempt to undermine their identity or collective interest.
Highlighting Asaba’s growth into a peaceful, cosmopolitan and rapidly expanding urban centre, Ifesiokwu praised 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 mobilise fully to ensure that such a plan does not stand,” he vowed, reaffirming Asaba’s commitment to peace, dialogue and the defence of its rightful place.
Facebook Comments
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings