Senator Ned Nwoko has reiterated that the proposal for the creation of Anioma State is not merely a political agenda but a crucial step towards ensuring balanced representation for the Igbo people at the federal level.
The bill, which has successfully passed its second reading at the National Assembly, aims to establish Anioma as an additional state within Nigeria's South-East geopolitical zone.
The Anioma region, predominantly inhabited by Igbo-speaking communities, covers nine Local Government Areas in Delta State. The call for its recognition as a separate state has been ongoing for decades, initially championed by the late Dennis Osadebe, Premier of the Mid-West Region. Despite being put on hold following the creation of Delta State in 1991, the demand has resurfaced with renewed vigor under Nwoko's sponsorship.
Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has faced both support and opposition regarding his initiative. While some political figures and traditional rulers back the proposal, others have expressed concerns over the potential implications of aligning Anioma with the South-East zone.
Critics argue that such a move could exacerbate regional tensions and disrupt the existing socio-political balance.
Prof Leroy Edozien, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State, supports the bill, emphasizing the need for equitable state distribution across Nigeria's zones.
"The Federal Government will not just wake up one day and say they want to create states; there must be a reason," he stated. "Presently, the South-East zone has five states, while all other zones have six states each."
However, the proposal has also met resistance from groups like "The Ndokwa Renaissance," which has threatened to recall Nwoko if he does not withdraw the bill. They argue that the proposal lacks adequate consultation with the people of Delta North and could negatively impact the region.
Despite the controversy, proponents of the Anioma State creation highlight the potential benefits, including increased opportunities for infrastructural development, job creation, and economic growth. Chief Dan Okenyi, an ex-Commissioner for Lands, Surveys, and Urban Development, assured that the state would be created under the doctrine of necessity, with support from other Delta senators.
As discussions continue, Delta North monarchs have called for inclusive dialogue and broader consultations to ensure that the interests of all Anioma people are considered.
They stress the importance of unity and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the long-desired goal of statehood.
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