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From Enweliku Kent, Asaba
Asaba – Sen. Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, says hope remains alive in the realisation of Anioma as 37th state in Nigeria.
Nwoko said agitation for Anioma State was collective and spans across diverse interests, groups; woman, youths and traditional rulers in the entire Anioma ethnic communities and not revolve around any individual, political leader or party.
This is contained in a statement by Dr Christopher Nwayalani of the Technical Committee on Anioma State Creation and made available to newsmen on Monday in Asaba.
According to the statement, Nwoko gave the assurance at a stakeholders meeting on Sunday at the palace of Obi Prof. Louis Chelunor Nwaoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa and Chairman of the Technical Committee on Anioma State Creation.
“Nwoko told the gathering that the hope of actualising Anioma State had not been lost.
“His message came against the background of his recent political challenges and the controversy surrounding his senatorial mandate”.
The statement said Nwoko had declared that he remained a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in spite of the current political situation which he (Nwoko) described as his stolen mandate.
The meeting attended by traditional rulers, members of the technical committee and representatives of Izu Anioma, Odu Oma Club, Anioma Youth Council and other advocacy groups, however, focused on the future of Anioma.
According to the statement, the demand for Anioma State has been pursued for many years by traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, youth organisations, community groups and various advocacy bodies.
“The latest engagement therefore provided an opportunity for the stakeholders to look beyond immediate political contests and consider the larger interest of the Anioma people.
“The mood at the meeting reflected renewed hope and determination among stakeholders to sustain the campaign for the proposed state”.
The stakeholders emphasised that the Anioma State project should not be reduced to the political fortunes of any individual, party or political contest.
They said the recent engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to look beyond immediate political contests and focus on the collective interest of the Anioma people.
They said the aspiration for Anioma State should continue irrespective of who eventually occupies the Delta North senatorial seat after the 2027 elections.
“The struggle for state creation is a collective Anioma project, not the personal property of any politician or political party.
“The ultimate objective remained the creation of Anioma State as the 37th state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” they said.
They said proponents believed that state creation would provide a stronger political and administrative structure and create greater opportunities for development in the area.
They added that the technical committee had continued to engage traditional rulers, political leaders, stakeholders and advocacy groups in advancing the proposal
