Anioma State: Hope alive, Nwoko assures stakeholders

The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Sen. Ned Nwoko, has said that hope is still alive for the realisation of Anioma State out of the present Delta.

Nwoko’s optimism is contained in a statement issued by a member of the Technical Committee on the Creation of Anioma, Dr Christopher Nwayalani, and made available to newsmen in Asaba, on Monday.

According to the statement, Nwoko gave the assurance at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Palace of the Obuzor of Ibusa and Chairman of the Technical Committee on Anioma State Creation, Prof. Louis Nwaoboshi.

The lawmaker was quoted as saying that “the agitation for Anioma State is collective and spans across diverse interests, groups – women, youths and traditional rulers in the entire Anioma ethnic communities and not does revolve around any individual, political leader or party.

“He 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 added that Nwoko had declared  that he remained a member of APC, in spite of the current political situation, which he (Nwoko) described as his stolen mandate.

The meeting, which was 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.

“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, provides 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 statement added.

It further quoted the stakeholders to have emphasised that the Anioma State project should not be reduced to the political fortune 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 also 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 remains the creation of Anioma State as the 37th state of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

It explained that the stakeholders 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,” the statement added.