…Meets With Anioma Traditional Leaders
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, continues to champion the creation of Anioma State in the Senate. Recently, he met with Anioma traditional rulers to further deliberate on the matter, which has gained national attention following his official press release advocating for the state’s creation.
The meeting took place on Monday, July 1, 2024 at the palace of the Obi of Obior, of HRM Obi Ofuokwu and was attended by various Anioma traditional rulers and chiefs.
Addressing the traditional rulers, Senator Nwoko emphasized that the fight for Anioma State creation is a collective effort. He noted that while he did not initiate this fight, he is determined to see it through to completion. He highlighted that the current efforts are closer to success than ever before and stressed the importance of not allowing zonal classification issues to become obstacles.
Senator Nwoko pointed out that the desire for Anioma State is widely shared, with only a few opposing it due to concerns about zonal classification. He clarified that being in the same geopolitical zone does not mean member states can interfere with the administration of individual states. He also stated that Anioma State would consist of the existing nine local government areas and emphasized that an Anioma State, even if zoned to the South East, would be far better off than remaining a single senatorial district (Delta North) under the current state structure.
“It’s clear that we all want Anioma State. The few who oppose it cite zonal classification as a concern. However, being in the same geopolitical zone does not mean that member states can interfere with the administration of individual states.
“The crucial point is that Anioma State will consist of the existing nine local government areas and nothing more. Anioma State, even if zoned to the South East, would be far better off than remaining a single senatorial district (Delta North) under the current state structure. We must consider the benefits”, he said.
Responding to concerns raised by His Royal Majesty Ezenwah Alioma Collins, King of Otolokpo, about the feasibility of the state’s creation given its long-standing nature as a topic of discussion, Senator Nwoko assured that the current government is seeking ways to address issues in the South-East. One such way is by creating another state for geopolitical balance. He urged the traditional rulers, all Aniomas to position themselves to take advantage of this opportunity.
“I understand the doubt, and I recognize the significant efforts all of you have made towards achieving Anioma State. I assure you that the current government is seeking ways to address issues in the South-East, one of which is creating another state for geopolitical balance. We must position ourselves to seize this opportunity, which is what we are doing now.”
The traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Obi Ofuokwu, Obi of Obior; HRM Obi Jikeme Chukwuma, Obi of Ute-Ogbeje; HRM Obi Isinyemeze, Obi of Ugbolu; HRM Obi Anthony Ogboli, Obi of Ejeme-Aniogor; HRM Obi of Ezhi; HRM Isaac Uro, Obi of Igbuku; HRM Obi Onyemaechi, Obi of Obomkpa; HRM Obi Innocent Maduabunachukwu, Obi of Abah-Uno; HRM Frank O.O. Akpati; HRM Obi Otiegede, Obi of Idumu-Ogo; HRM Obi Christopher Ogo, Obi of Ukwunzu; HRM Igwe Frederick Egbunkeonye; HRM Obi Kenneth, Obi of Nsukwa; HRM Obi Chukwuka, Obi of Atuma; HRM Obi Ifechukwude; HRM Obi Azuka, Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo; HRM Obi of Ogodor; and HRM Obi Godwin Nzemeke, Obi of Ejeme-Unor, amongst others.
The royal fathers passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ned Nwoko for his responsive representation and assured that their collective opinion would be documented and made known through a communique.
