ANIOMA: Oborevwori Appeals for Calm as Asaba Indigenes Protest Alleged Plan to Relocate Proposed State Capital



Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed for calm following a protest by indigenes of Asaba over rumours that the capital of the proposed Anioma State may be relocated from the city.


The governor made the call on Monday when a large number of Asaba residents staged a peaceful march to the gate of Government House, Asaba, to express concerns over speculations that the city might lose its status as capital should Anioma State be created.


Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, Governor Oborevwori assured the protesters that issues relating to the creation of a new state and the choice of its capital are matters strictly governed by constitutional procedures and the collective will of the people, not by the decision of any individual or group.


“There is a clearly defined constitutional process for the creation of a state. It involves submissions of memoranda, legislative considerations and, in some cases, a referendum. No one can wake up and unilaterally decide the capital of a proposed state,” the governor said.


He noted that the state government had taken the concerns of the Asaba community seriously and confirmed that stakeholders from Delta North, including members of the legislative caucus and local government chairmen, had already met and unanimously opposed any move to relocate the proposed capital from Asaba.


Governor Oborevwori described Asaba as a fast-growing, peaceful, and strategically located city, adding that any decision concerning the proposed Anioma State would be guided by fairness, logic and the collective agreement of the people.


“The government will not act against the will and aspirations of the people. At the appropriate time, the voice of Delta North will determine every step,” he assured.


Earlier, the spokesman of the protesters, Mr. Chike Ifesiokwu, said the march was prompted by reports of an alleged plan by some individuals to relocate the proposed capital from Asaba.


He condemned the rumoured plan as “retrogressive, ill-motivated and divisive,” arguing that Asaba’s historical background, political relevance and strategic importance make it the natural capital of the proposed state.


Mr. Ifesiokwu listed notable national figures produced by Asaba in support of his argument, 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.


He alleged that those promoting the relocation narrative were motivated by “temporary access to power” and vowed that the Asaba people would resist any attempt to undermine their collective identity and interests.


Commending Governor Oborevwori for what he described as pragmatic leadership, Mr. Ifesiokwu urged the Chief of Staff to convey the community’s solidarity to the governor.


He added that while Asaba residents remain peaceful, they are prepared to mobilise fully to ensure that the city’s position as capital is not threatened, reaffirming their preference for dialogue and lawful engagement.

Juliet Aghogho Itedjere

Juliet Aghogho Itedjere is the Executive Editor of Alexa News Nigeria (Alexa.ng), a popular and renowned digital news platform committed to accuracy, credibility, and public-interest journalism. In her role as Executive Editor, she provides strategic editorial leadership, oversees newsroom operations, and ensures that all published content meets the highest standards of journalistic ethics and professionalism. With a strong passion for accountability reporting, human rights, governance, and social development, Juliet Aghogho Itedjere plays a key role in shaping Alexa News Nigeria’s editorial direction. She mentors reporters and editors, coordinates investigative and feature stories, and supervises fact-checking and content verification processes to maintain public trust. Her work emphasizes balanced reporting, inclusivity, and giving voice to underreported communities, particularly in conflict-affected and marginalized areas. As a media professional, Juliet is dedicated to strengthening digital journalism in Nigeria through innovation, audience engagement, and responsible storytelling.

Previous Post Next Post

نموذج الاتصال