By Eze Onwenna
Opponents of Senator Ned Nwoko’s push for Anioma State creation who claim a lack of consultation are peddling falsehoods, as extensive efforts were made to engage all stakeholders. Senator Nwoko has consistently sought broad consensus, even in the face of political obstacles and deliberate avoidance by some figures.
The claim that local government chairmen were not consulted is untrue. Senator Nwoko scheduled meetings, and when they refused to turn up, he asked them to choose a convenient venue, which they still declined. He sent his Legal Aide to take the documents to them, many of them directed him to their Secretaries who signed on their behalf, Barr Alika was smart enough by ensuring that those documents were signed and stamped , though they later denied it but we have been expecting them to sue the Senator for forgery, none of them has been able to do that. He met with Delta State House of Assembly members from Delta North in his Asaba office, where they explicitly stated their refusal to sign any document in support of the state creation.
Numerous efforts were also made to engage one-on-one with the immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi; however, calls and messages went unanswered. Conversely, Hon. Ezechi was communicated with from the beginning and expressed assurance of his support. Hon. Ngozi Okolie attended an initial summit organised by Senator Nwoko at the Grand Hotel Asaba and expressed support, while Hon. Nwaokolo offered no committed response when reached out to.
The narrative of a “one-man show” is insincere. Despite tacit and cowardly avoidance by some, including councillors who dodged scheduled meetings, the movement has gained significant traction and national support due to sustained advocacy and a structured process. The current push for Anioma State is now an advanced, structured national process with widespread backing from key figures across the Senate and national bodies like Izu Anioma and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, focusing on historical justice and regional equity.
The process is firmly on course, with the proposal (Senate Bill 481) having garnered support from over 90 senators, surpassing the constitutional threshold in the Red Chamber. This momentum, anchored on the principles of fairness and balanced development, is a collective mission rooted in the long-held aspirations of the Anioma people, not the personal interests or political calculations of a few individuals.
If you were Senator Ned Nwoko, what would you do?
