STAKEHOLDERS FROM SOUTH-SOUTH AND SOUTH-EAST GATHERED IN ASABA, TO CLAMOUR FOR CREATION OF ANIOMA STATE 01-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu Hundreds of stakeholders from the South South, and South East geopolitical zones of the country have gathered in Asaba, to clamour for the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State.
The Anioma State being agitated for comprises nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District.
The stakeholders posited that the creation of Anioma State was long overdue, and called for concerted efforts by the relevant Bodies to make it a reality.
The Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, Johnson Ekpechi gave an assurance that Ndokwa people from three local government areas of Ukwuani, Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East, were in full support of the creation of Anioma State, contrary to media report that some groups from that axis were opposing the clamour..
A paramount traditional ruler in Delta State, and Dein of Agbor kingdom, Benjamin lkenchukwu, Keagborekuzi One, said the agitation for the creation of Anioma State should not be politicized, but rather, taken as a collective dream of all Aniomas, due to the long term benefits that will accrue.
The Dein of Agbor paid glowing tributes to all those , living and dead , who have in no small way , ensured that the dream of creating an Anioma State, within the Nigerian federation, becomes a reality.
While pledging his full support and commitment to the realization of Anioma State, the Dein of Agbor commended Senator Ned Nwoko , for championing the cause of a truly homogenous state for Aniomas.
Representatives of various social cultural groups,women and youth bodies took their turns to push for the creation of Anioma State
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Nwoko, the proponent of the Anioma State creation Bill , said his passion for Anioma people to have their own state was not for him to become governor but to make his people have a state of their own
He said: “I want freedom for my people. The first governor of Anioma state will come from Ndokwa land. Out of the nine local government areas, three are oil producing. The three are Ndokwa nation. But it has remained the most backward. It produces oil and gas, but the environment is devastated.”
According to the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Red Chamber, Prince Ned Nwoko, “So long as it’s not an illegitimate quest and not intended to disintegrate the country, the agitation for Anioma State is in order and needs to be encouraged by all and sundry”.
Highpoint of the stakeholders summit was the composition of a working committee to liaise regularly with Senator Ned Nwoko towards achieving the creation of Anioma State.
Recall that the bill for the creation of Anioma State has passed first reading in the Senate.