By Theophilus Keme
“Anyi ama Kwe Anyi ama kwe o, Anyi ama kwe, Kaanyi kpere azu - Anyi ama kwe”
On August 31, 2024, at Unity Hall, Grand Hotel, Asaba, a patriotic rhythm filled the air: "Anyi ama Kwe, Anyi ama Kwe o… Anyi ama Kwe, Kaanyi kpere azu - Anyi ama Kwe." This melodious chant, accompanied by dance steps, conveyed the message that Anioma people would no longer accept being last in the order of things.
Sons and daughters of Delta North accompanied by the Chief Host, Senator Ned Nwoko and patriots conveyed at Anioma Stakeholders Summit to deliberate the quest for the creation of Anioma State. The event which was not only honored by a mammoth crowd but was also honored and brought together of influential figures from Delta North and political leaders across different parties and traditional rulers that showed an unprecedented unity amongst the people that was in agreement in pushing forward the Anioma State creation agenda.
This event, which was convened by Senator Ned Nwoko and in major partnership by the United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide, ensured to the success of the Anioma Stakeholders submits. Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko's in this occasion of being the host, showed patriotic antecedent and democratic resilience, through indefatigable vocality that shows political transparency and equity to good governance by some of his statement that may forever be remembered in time immemorial to be gold. Some of these statements such as: “I was not the one who started the process but by the grace of God, i will finish it", is a renaissance to what the forefathers started that the Senator has dedicated himself to continue and to finish.
In recent years there have been agitations for the creation of new states from the different geopolitical zones of the country. But none of these agitations has been as fervent, more urgent, more thought through and with a profound clarity of purpose as the present proposal before the National Assembly for the creation of Anioma state from the present Delta state to be part of the South East states. The proposal has received overwhelming support of well-meaning people of the area and stakeholders of Anioma in Diaspora.
It also has the buy-in from bipartisan lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly. The new architect of this movement who is Senator Ned Nwoko(PDP Delta North) in consultation with prominent figures from the constituent parts of the proposed Anioma state has projected that it has come to stay.
Senator Ned Nwoko in August 31st, when finished from the Delta State PDP Congress, an event that held same day before he joined the Stakeholders Summit for Anioma State Creation assured the people, that the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who also hails from Anioma is in support for the quest and he maintained that it doesn't matter the geopolitical zone where Anioma State will be positioned so long it is created.
Another maverick statement from the host on the stakeholders submit that outshines others is; “I do not want to be the Governor of Anioma state but the freedom of my people is my concern".
This statement, which has broken the camel’s back of malicious claims that had been making the rounds about the reason for the senator's plea, has been totally corrected. Senator Ned Nwoko corrected the notion, pledging that should the state be created, the first governor would come from the Ndokwa local government area, while the deputy could come from anywhere.
The perception of his claims was supported by his assertion that Ndokwa would be the first to test leadership as state governor due to the abject poverty surrounding that region. “The Ndokwa region is blessed with the most viable resources, making Nigeria work economically in terms of crude oil and gas production, yet it has become the capital of poverty in Delta state”. He said.
It is recorded that the Ndokwa region is a region that is housing some major industries such as Nigeria Agip Oil Company now Oando Limited for over decades, Sterling Oil Exploration Energy and Production Company, Midwestern oil and gas, Ashtavinayak Hydrocarbon Limited, Pillar oil Limited and Chorus Energy Limited, but still nothing to show for it despite these companies as the region still reports to suffer underdevelopment, total blackout for decades and marginalization in all ramifications most especially environmental hazard.
Other notable commentaries of the events are as follows:
Hon Ossai Nicholas Ossai-“I have offered myself as a consultant in the creation of Anioma State", Dr. Ojei- “Izu Anioma is not a club and was created by our forefathers", Obi of Idumuje Ugboko.-“As you acknowledge me today as your king, you shall succeed. I want the Anioma state created now and today", Obi of Ubulu Unor-"Anioma state is a goal. If you like put it in the wilderness but let Anioma state be created", Obi of Emu Kingdom- "I strongly support the creation of Anioma State", Hon Nwaobi Emeka-"I want to assure you that all of us in the house will support this project and see you succeed", Justice Alpha Ikpeama (Director of General)- "We totally support this project. Hon Ngozi Okolie- I will give my all to see that Anioma State is created" e.t.c This did he further asserts that a technical committee should be constituted to fast track the process of the creation of Anioma State.
The motion for the creation of an Anioma State was moved by Hon Ossai N. Ossai and seconded by Prof Leroy Edozie.
Prof Leroy Edozie, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in an interview with newsmen early July, use it as medium as he advised President Bola Tinubu to write his name in gold by creating an additional state to address the marginalization in the South-East zone.
Members who were in attendance and see to the success of the just recently concluded Stakeholders Submit are: Hon Justice Anthony I.Igun, CON, former Chief Judge of Anambra, His lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama, Pastor Micheal Obierika, Major Gen Ikekire, Prof Obasi Igwe, Bishop Chinwuba. (Members of United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide)
The Traditional Rulers include: His Royal Majesty, Obi Clement Ejiofor of Ukala Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obuenwe Johnson the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Engr. Louis Edozien, the Ochendo of Asagba, His Royal Majesty, Obi Barr Henry Kikachukwu of Obuluku-Unor, His Royal Majesty, Dein of Agbor, Ikenchuku Kiagborekuzi 1, His Royal Majesty, Solomon Chukwuka of Utokpu, His Royal Majesty, Obi Godwin Onyewuwa, His Royal Majesty, Obi Solomon Chinyelugo of Ashama, His Royal Majesty, Obi R. O of Ewu Kingdom and chiefs from various communities that make up Anioma Nation.
The Political Class and leaders include: Hon Ossai N. Ossai, former member, house of representative, Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon Ngozi Okokie, the member representing Oshimil Federal Constituency, Hon Emeke Nwaobi, the Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Chief Dan Okenyi, former commissioner for land and host of others.
Famous President Generals present include General Mike Ndubisi (Rtd), the President General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Comrade Macus Enudi, President General of Anioma Youth, Dr Ojieh, the President General, Izu Anioma, Mazi Oneife Oneife, the United Ndigbo Elders and various community President Generals.
In a world where leaders are rather driven by personal interest and make excuses of what is expected of them, it is a blessing to find a leader who embodies the plight of the people and a strong work ethic. Senator Prince Ned Nwoko championing the cause of a truly homogenous state for Aniomas is a welcome development that must be given its entire support.
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