By Albert Ograka
Stakeholders from the Delta North Senatorial District have affirmed their support for the creation of Anioma State, being championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents the district at the National Assembly.
A throng of revered Stakeholders, weekend, gathered at the Anioma Summit held at Grand Hotels and Resort, Asaba, to deliberate on the creation of Anioma State.
The Summit brought together leaders from the various ethnic nationalities in the district, including traditional rulers, religious leaders and politicians who unanimously affirmed their support for the quest, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko.
Representatives were drawn from the nine local government areas that make up Delta North, the region from which the proposed Anioma State would emerge. Various speakers at the event emphasized that the creation of Anioma State is long overdue, with many affirming the necessity of this move for the development and welfare of the people.
Senator Ned Nwoko, while acknowledging that he was not the originator of the Anioma State movement, vowed to see the effort through to its fruition. He clarified that his pursuit of the state’s creation is driven not by a desire to become its governor but by a commitment to the well-being of the people he represents.
Senator Nwoko also revealed that many of his colleagues in the National Assembly support the creation of Anioma State, and he expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu is prepared to sign the bill into law once the necessary legislative processes are completed. He noted that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is among those in favour of the state’s creation, though a key challenge remains determining whether the new state should be placed in the Southeast region.
Speaking on behalf of the Ndokwa Nation, Obuenwe Johnson Ekpechi, the Ezemu of Emu Kingdom, affirmed the full support of Ndokwa people for Senator Nwoko’s efforts. He stated that whoever is opposing the creation is not an Ndokwa citizen.
A revered first class Guinness book of records traditional ruler who was also a Special guest at a Stakeholders Summit enthused that there is legitimacy in an Anioma State.
Obi Keagborekuzi 1 , maintained that the agitation for the creation of Anioma State should not be politicized, but rather , taken as a collective dream of all Aniomas , due to the long term benefits that will accrue.
The Dein of Agbor, however, paid glowing tributes to all those , living and dead , who have in no small way , ensured that the dream of creating an Anioma State, within the Nigerian federation, becomes a reality.
Other prominent leaders, including Hon. Ngozi Okolie, the member representing Oshimili Federal Constituency, and Hon. Ossai Ossai, a former member of the House of Representatives, also expressed their unwavering support, stating that the need for Anioma State is indisputable.
