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By Zika Bobby
Anioma State Creation Movement has praised Senator Ned Nwoko for spearheading the renewed agitation to carve out an Anioma State from Delta, saying the project, despite opposition from some quarters, promises to deliver political recognition, jobs and economic empowerment for Anioma people wherever they live.
In a statement by the Media Director of the movement, Tonnie Osita Oganah, he described Senator Nwoko as a focused and patriotic leader, whose efforts have rekindled a decade-long struggle for a distinct Anioma polity and equitable representation for the Igbo west of the River Niger.
He noted that the proposed state would correct historical imbalances that have left the Igbo nation with fewer states and marginal allocations.
Voices from the Anioma area, drawn from civil society, traditional quarters and residents in the diaspora, backed the media director’s endorsement. An indigene of Agbor, resident in Abuja, Ngozi Okolo, said the senator’s wealth and influence had enabled him to commit resources to a project she believes would benefit everyone who is Igbo, irrespective of educational or financial status.
Dr. Chukwuka Nwaka from Kwale, described the move as the long-awaited liberation of Delta Igbo, and thanked God for what he called an end to a struggle that dates back to the 1950s.
He explained that Anioma people, who share language, culture and traditions with the Igbo of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states are distinct from the other ethnic groups in the South-South region.
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He argued that the proposed state naturally fits into the South-East geopolitical zone and would be a strategic step toward balancing Nigeria’s zonal structure, as the South-East remains the only zone with five states.
He also highlighted that Anioma already has the infrastructure to function as a state, including Asaba as a ready-made capital, with an international airport, universities and industries. “We cannot wish for a more focused and patriotic leader to lead us to the Promised Land of freedom, empowerment and equitable recognition,” Oganah said.
Addressing those opposing the initiative, the media director said most resistance comes from individuals benefiting from the status quo.
“Some are scared of losing privileged positions under the present arrangement,” he said, adding that the new state would expand political representation and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs through new government institutions, public works and private investments.
“Anioma people can thrive in any zone in Nigeria because we have been in the western region and now in the south south with strangers, who have nothing in common with us, whereas in the South East, our kith and kin have so many traditions and languages which are similar to ours.”
He further commended President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly for their openness to state creation and expressed confidence that Anioma would be one of the new states considered.
The Anioma group appealed to lawmakers to expedite the process and allow the affected communities to express their will through a referendum.
