LET US RISE TOGETHER FOR ANIOMA STATE - Sen. Ned Nwoko

LET US RISE TOGETHER FOR ANIOMA STATE - Sen. Ned Nwoko

 *Esteemed people of Anioma.* 

I address you all today as your Senator representing Delta North at the National Assembly,with a great feeling of joy and tremendous pride.

Recall that I recently presented a BILL seeking the creation of Anioma state.

The Bill referred to as “the Principal Act” is set out hereunder:

“Section 3(1) of the Principal Act is altered by deleting the words “thirty six” in the first line of the said subsection and replacing same with the words “thirty seven” and inserting the word “ ANIOMA” in the second line immediately after the word “ ANAMBRA” and before the word “BAUCHI.

“Therefore, the new Section 3 (1) shall read thus: 

Section 3 (1) There shall be thirty seven States in Nigeria, that is to say, Abia,Adamawa,Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Anioma,Bauchi,Bayelsa, Benue,Borno,Cross River, Delta,Ebonyi,Edo, Ekiti,Enugu,Gombe,Imo, Jigawa,Kaduna,Kano, Katsina,Kebbi,Kogi,Kwara, Lagos,Nasarawa,Niger, Ogun,Ondo,Osun,Oyo, Plateau,Rivers,Sokoto, Taraba,Yobe and Zamafara” 

The bill proposed that Anioma state with capital at Asaba would be constituted by the following local government areas- Aniocha North,Aniocha South,Ika North-East,Ika South,Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West,Oshimili North,Oshimili South and  Ukwuani.

I have watched with keen interest the widespread reactions that have greeted the bill.

Based on the various viewpoints and my interactions,majority of the people earnestly desire the creation of Anioma state as a compelling necessity.

The groundswell of support from pro-Anioma campaigners including traditional rulers,youths,women and various pressure groups is overwhelming,having spread to virtually all quarters in Delta North and far afield.Never before in the annals of the Anioma struggle,had the movement been so fervent and tumultuous in participation and appeal.

My desire for the creation of Anioma is driven by history,equity and purpose.

The agitation for Anioma predated my resolve as it started over 50 years.The oldest state creation move in Nigeria’s historical experience.Pioneered by legendary Sir Dennis Osadebay,of blessed memory,first premier of Midwest region,the quest had continued over the years with other Anioma illustrious potentates like late Asagba of Asaba,Obi Professor Chike Edozien and Senator Nosike Ikpo among others,gallantly leading the movement at various times.

The renaissance of Anioma state creation is a movement I am proud to reboot for common good.

There has been heated debate over the issue of which geographical zone Anioma should belong.Our demand for Anioma is not about the location,whether in the South South or South East zone.The movement has gone beyond that as we advance irreversibly in oneness.Let us leave the ultimate determination for general consensus and government of the day.The North west has seven states as the constituents.Anioma can rise anywhere.Geographical zone is a nebulous concept,unrecognized in the Nigerian constitution.

It has never encumbered the existence or fortune of any state and will not in  anyway affect Anioma state.

Few interpretations have surfaced as reasons for my seeking Anioma.While some view the demand as a veiled opportunity to become governor of Anioma,others see it as political gimmick,None is a correct or plausible imagination. 

I want the creation of Anioma state and nothing else. I have committed all energy, time and my resources to the Anioma cause as an egalitarian, liberation and historical struggle. My inspiration is fired by an effusive unction to consummate the hallowed age-old dream of our forebears and the cherished expectations of the present generation.

I seek Anioma for social justice, peace, progress, brotherhood, love and unity. I crave Anioma for the manifestation of its distinct identity and latent potentials-new nation of goodness, treasure trove of human endowment, land of harmony, oil and gas abundance, agrarian and aquatic splendour. Our heritage is outstanding, formidable and superb. Our land is suffused with the most amazing blessings of nature on planet earth.

* *I seek neither gift nor glory. I seek only the greatness of Anioma.That is the facet of my focus.* 

Let me note with profuse gratitude that you have always supported my steps and strides since my inauguration on July 13, 2023. 

Since I made a solemn pledge to give quality representation as your senator, my sacred creed has been guided by a vision to improve the material well being of the entire residents of Delta North, irrespective of class, tribal, political or sectarian cleavages as well as total development of Anioma land.

Nonetheless, I am not unaware of the tall task before us. 

* I know the challenges and distractions. We must not allow the antics of few reactionary forces with sinister selfish agenda. Let us as a people remain steadfast as we move en mass in the march towards the creation of Anioma.

I salute your unwavering loyalty and depth of your sacrifice to the Anioma cause. We are a people of civility and good breeding. We must continue to pursue our desire with all decorum to maintain the clarity of our vision towards the dawn of Anioma.

I wholeheartedly welcome all Anioma people and friends at home and in the Diaspora to join in this our project.

On my honour, let me re-assure you that this Anioma remarkable voyage of progress will yield grand prospects for the present and future generations. 

Thank you all 

Oganihu Anioma!

 *SENATOR PRINCE NED MUNIR NWOKO.* 

Delta North Senatorial DISTRICT.

(Monday,July 29,2024)