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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Ohanaeze Youth Council has rejected the push for the creation of Orlu State and Etiti States, respectively, while, at the same time, urging the proponents of the States to support the birth of Anioma State.
The Council said the creation of the Anioma State from the present Delta State is the ideal course to push for, considering its geographic, dynamics of socio-political behaviours in the area, as well as ethno-cultural topology, thereof, is a blue print and anti-dote that will settle ethnic crisis in Edo and Delta States.
It added that it’s reasonable, logical and a peaceful political consideration to cede parts of Ndoni people in Rivers State that link to Ukwuani axis of Delta State and several of other communities in Edo State including the whole Delta North senatorial district to form the new State called Anioma State.
The Council, in a statement, jointly signed by Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka and
Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Cedric Nweke, National President and Secretary General, respectively, said it’s aware that the creation of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria were not entirely carved out on the considerations based on their geographic locations, but rather on the States with similarity of ethnic groups and/or common political history at play in the same zone.
It added: “Therefore it falls within the principle of geo-political creation in Nigeria that the proposed component of Anioma State has the same ethnic groups and same political history, consciousness with other states in the South East.
“The birth of Anioma State to the South East family will build zonal equity as same would go a long way to address the deplorable issues of marginalization of South East zone.
“Historically, part of agitation in the South East on self-determination by Pro-Biafran groups is because of the perceived political marginalizations and lack of unequal distributions of political structure and benefits with recurring ethno-political shortchanges against the southeasterners.
“The creation of Anioma State fall in line with the justice of salvaging the mess with every equity and fairness, and it’s most strategic means to address the agitation in the South East with genre of promotion and sustainability of unity in the area.”
Ohanaeze Youth Council, thus called on the proponents of Orlu and Etiti States to abort their bill for lack of merit and garner their support to Senator Ned Nwoko, for the actualization of Anioma State.
“Same call is also extended to all progressive Igbo political leaders of various facets including the traditional rulers and leaders to rally round Senator Nwoko for a successful creation of Anioma State.
“The youth Council also called on Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, to withdraw the bill seeking to birth Orlu State, and join Senator Nwoko, in the the labour room, for a successful delivery of the new baby state to be called Anioma State,” it advocated.
It stated that henceforth anyone presenting, debating or pushing for the creation of Orlu State or Etiti State bill at the National Assembly does so at his or her peril, and without the mandate and/or support of the Igbo youths/Ndigbo, and such person(s) or group(s) are the enemy(ies) to the southern Nigeria and South East, in particular.
The Council also appealed to everyone, particularly the patriotic honourable members in the North, Middle Belt, South West, and South-South to see the creation of Anioma State as a regional political balance and national equity to calm down the rate of agitation in South East.
