According to the report from the Vanguard, The bill before the Senate for the creation of Anioma State from Delta State represents one of the most progressive legislative efforts to emerge from the National Assembly under the current democratic regime. Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill’s sponsor, deserves commendation for bringing this issue to the forefront. As the senator representing Delta North, Nwoko is the primary advocate for the nine local government areas that constitute the Anioma territory.
Senator Nwoko’s diligent legislative work underscores his commitment to effective representation. The vigorous discussion surrounding the creation of Anioma State demonstrates the significance of his efforts. This proposal aims to establish a sixth state in the South-East to ensure parity with other regions of the country.
Traditionally, the proposed sixth state should be derived from the existing South-East region. Various bills have been presented to the National Assembly, advocating for the creation of states such as Orlu State and Etiti State.
However, Senator Nwoko identified a strategic opportunity. The Anioma people, who reside on the western bank of the River Niger, are Igbos. Despite their location on the opposite side of the Niger, their territory could be reconstituted as a new state, thus fulfilling the South-East’s objective of creating a sixth state.
Senator Nwoko’s initiative demonstrates exceptional political acumen. Consequently, it is expected that the Anioma people should support this effort, recognizing it as an opportunity to further their collective interests.
Given the contentious discussions in parts of Anioma territory, a critical question arises: Is it preferable to create Anioma State now and integrate it into the South-East, or should the creation be abandoned due to local opposition to inclusion in the South-East? This question merits serious consideration, especially as some factions within Anioma oppose the integration into the South-East.
Another pertinent question is: What is the downside of Anioma becoming part of the South-East? There appears to be no significant issue. The Igbos on both sides of the Niger River are a unified people, speaking the same language with minor dialectal variations, which is a common phenomenon worldwide.
Interestingly, the Igbos of the South-East should theoretically oppose this proposal since the absence of Anioma would allow them to retain the benefit of an additional state. However, their willingness to forgo this advantage in favor of their kin west of the Niger showcases a commendable spirit of magnanimity and solidarity.
For those who disagree with this unification, there appears to be no substantial reason why the Igbos of the East and West should not come together. Historically, they have coexisted as a single entity, despite the River Niger’s geographical divide.
Some individuals from Ndokwa and Ukwuani have expressed reluctance to join Anioma. To them, one might ask, If not Anioma, where else? The Ukwuanis and Ndokwas are Igbos and should not align themselves with an unrelated ethnic group. Doing so would isolate them from their cultural and ethnic roots.
In summary, the proposal for the creation of Anioma State under the South-East region is a progressive step that deserves broad support. Senator Nwoko’s efforts highlight a strategic vision aimed at fostering unity and political equality among the Igbos, transcending geographical barriers….Seē _ Morē