UMUNEDE, DELTA STATE – A legal expert and top aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, Barrister Festus Alika, has strongly rejected claims made by some Local Government Chairmen from Delta North, who disassociated themselves from a formal document requesting the creation of Anioma State.
The document, titled “Request for the Creation of Anioma State in Accordance with Section 8 (1)(a)(i) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended)”, has been circulating widely on social and official platforms.
Recently, a group called the Forum of Delta North Local Government Chairmen issued a public statement claiming they did not authorize or sign the document. However, in a detailed rebuttal, Barr. Alika, a senior legal practitioner and native of Umunede in Ika North East, called their statement “false, misleading, and politically motivated.”
“There was no forgery or impersonation whatsoever. These documents were formally submitted to each of the nine local government chairmen in Delta North. Many of them even authorized their secretaries or top council officials to sign on their behalf—a common and legal administrative practice,” Alika explained.
The Role of Senator Ned Nwoko’s Office
Barr. Alika revealed that he was officially assigned by Senator Ned Nwoko’s office to handle this sensitive constitutional task. As Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) and Legal Head of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, he coordinated the distribution and collection of the endorsement documents.
He was joined on this assignment by Chief Peter Okonkwo of Issele-Asagba. Together, they visited all the Local Government Council headquarters in Delta North, following a structured and transparent process.
“Each endorsement was stamped officially by the councils. If the Chairmen now disown these documents, they should resolve it internally. Accusing others of forgery to cover up their negligence is not acceptable,” Alika stated firmly.
Why It Matters
The creation of Anioma State has long been a dream of many in Delta North. Alika described it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to correct what he called the structural imbalance in Delta State.
He emphasized that the idea behind creating Anioma State is to separate Delta into two balanced entities:
- Anioma State representing Delta North, and
- Delta State remaining as the voice of Delta Central and South.
Leadership or Evasion?
Alika criticized the local government chairmen for what he described as a lack of courage. According to him, the people of Anioma are fully behind the state creation process, and their leaders should not backtrack at such a crucial time.
“They were elected to lead, not to hide behind excuses or disclaimers. This is not the time for political fear or selfish games,” he said.
The Bigger Picture
According to Barr. Alika, the push for Anioma State is no longer just a personal project of Senator Ned Nwoko or any political figure. It has become a national conversation backed by citizens across party lines.
“Over 2 million Anioma people have waited too long. This is their moment, and no amount of blackmail or misinformation will stop this movement,” Alika declared.
He assured the public that the process is constitutional, transparent, and unstoppable, adding that the voices of the Anioma people will not be silenced by a few individuals.
Who is Barr. Festus Alika? A lawyer with over 25 years of experience, Barr. Alika is from Umunede in Ika North East LGA, Delta State. He currently serves as the Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Ned Nwoko and Legal Head of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee.
What’s Next? As discussions continue nationwide, it is now up to national lawmakers, stakeholders, and the people to determine whether Anioma State will become Nigeria’s 37th state.
But one thing is clear: the demand for Anioma State has gone beyond politics—it’s now a people-powered movement.
Stay with us for updates on this developing story.
