By Andy Emephia

The conclusion, both unanimous and obvious, for the creation of the long overdue Anioma State, is incontrovertible.

From the spirited efforts of Anioma traditional rulers led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, to the strident appeal by pan Anioma socio cultural body , the Izu Anioma, to the affirmation by pan lbo socio cultural body , Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the time is indeed ripe.

Taking the gauntlet recently , the ever proactive Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district at the Nigerian Senate, distinguished Senator Prince Chinedum( Ned) Munir Nwoko , made a proposal on the floor of the red chambers , for the creation of Anioma state , to become the sixth ( 6th) State of the south east region, which is the only region among the six geo political regions , that has less states, five to be precise.

Apart from the political imbalance in the distribution of states that is the lot of the south east geo political zone, Senator Ned Nwoko is emphatic that the creation of Anioma state is “urgent and compelling”.

Noting specifically that only the south east , with five states , have 15 Senators , instead of the 18 and above that other regions boast of, Anioma State , with 9 local governments , boasts of huge natural and mineral resources , including crude oil and huge gas reserves in six of her local governments , and as such , qualifies for meeting any laid down criteria , for state creation.

Senator Nwoko added that creation of Anioma state is not just about adding to the number of states in the south east geo political zone , but also about ensuring fair representation and resource allocation for the south east.

Why place Anioma with South east?

The saying that “the truth wears no disguise” , underscores Senator Nwoko,s bold step in this regard . Culturally speaking , the Anioma region has a lot in common with the five south eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Apart from sharing similar language and cultural features with the south east states, it is widely acknowledged that their ancestor Ezechime , has clans all over Anioma land , especially Aniocha north.

Even the Aro people domiciled in the south east , are reputed to be descendants of Ezechime , the historical figure associated with the many clans in present day Aniocha North.

Conclusion

Without mincing words , Senator Ned Nwoko , always braving odds where others dare to thread, is on the road to history again.

The creation of Anioma state is a crucial step towards creating justice and equity for the people of the south east.

With the collaborative effort of major stakeholders , and Ned Nwoko at the Senate to drive the process to it’s logical conclusion, the Anioma state dream, with it’s full proof claim of historical and resource allocation neglect , is but a hair,s breath away
And Ned,s name , as always , is primed to be indelibly etched as the undisputed arrow head of a dream soon to come true.