Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta North Senatorial District “Anioma People” at the National Assembly, says creating Anioma state from the current Delta would positively benefit the people of the state.
Mr Nwoko stated this in his remarks at a two-day “Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo Oru Na Ndida”, organised by Igbo Unification Movement in collaboration with Ndi Na Asu Bia Social Cultural Organisation, with the theme, “Igbo Bu Ofu (Igbos are One)”, held in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday.
He said that the event was in line with his own philosophy of a united Igbo people, both at home and abroad, adding that Igbo unity should be a concern for all stakeholders spanning over 13 states in Nigeria and abroad.
He noted that every state, clan and community that speaks Bia(come) belongs to the Igbo race, saying that history aligned the Anioma people as Ndi-Igbo(People from Igbo race).
Mr Nwoko said that the most important issue at stake was the creation of Anioma state, but whether it would be zoned to the Eastern region or anywhere else remained insignificant.
According to him, if Anioma is created, it will be a win-win for all. This is why I introduced the state creation bill sometime last year at the National Assembly.
The senator said that the idea was to carve out Anioma as a separate state from Delta, then we could have another state called the real Delta.
“We have a governor, and I am 100 per cent in support of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori. But just as when Bendel was split into Edo and Delta states, we can have double states here,” Mr Nwoko said.
He disclosed that the bill for the creation of Anioma has passed first and second reading at the Senate and is advancing to the third reading.
Mr Nwoko, therefore, called for the support of all to make the vision a reality, adding that the quest of every Igbo person now was that a sixth state should be created for equity.
“I am not sure there is any Anioma son or daughter that is not supporting the creation of Anioma state,” he said.
Mr Nwoko said that unity was sacrosanct for the Igbo people to thrive, adding that the agitation, whether Anioma is created, should be zoned to the Eastern region, was trivial.
“What we need now is a state for Ndi-Igbo and I believe that Anioma, being the oldest in this agitation, should be supported.
“We are all Ndi-Igbo. The quest for Anioma creation is not political; we want a state created. I said it before that if the state is created, I support an Ndokwa person to be the first governor,” Nwoko said.
The senator lauded the organisers of the programme for helping to actualise the dream of their forefathers for the creation of Anioma state.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the chief of staff, Johnson Erijo, lauded the organisers for the call for unity among the Igbo people.
He noted that the Igbos play a critical role in the economy of the country and internationally.
While declaring the occasion open, the governor pledged the state government’s support for the Igbo and all socio-cultural groups in the state.
Earlier, Kingsley Kainebi, president, Ndi Na Asu Bia Social Cultural Organisation, said the set goal of the conference was for the Igbo people to stand together as one united ethnic group.
“Let us always remember the wisdom of our fathers: “Igwebuike’ (Strength in unity), because in unity lies our strength.
“By coming together, we amplify our influence, safeguard our interests and contribute more meaningfully to the development of our nation,” Mr Kainebi said.
On his part, Cosmas Chikeobi, chairman, organising committee, said the mission of the social-cultural organisation was inspired by the Igbo philosophy of “Onye aghala nwanne ya”.
“So, we identified indigenous Igbo communities outside of the Southeast facing identity crisis, then went into the communities engaging the elders and youths with the objective of helping them to resolve their identity crisis and fully realise their true Igbo identity,” he said.
Uzodinma Nwala, the father of African Philosophy, was the keynote speaker, and Obasi Igwe, a guest speaker, added historical context to the event with renditions on Anioma and the case for creating the state as the sixth in the South-East region.
In attendance were traditional rulers, youths and women leaders from the Anioma extractions and across the South-East region, among other groups.
(NAN)