By Clara Egbogota
The coalition of Anioma indigenes has renewed calls for the creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the South-East, saying it was long overdue.
The coalition said that Anioma state would be critical to the political, economic and cultural advancement of the Anioma people.
The group drawn from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, formally presented its position to the Delta State Government in Asaba on Monday.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Ayo Ashiedu, President of the Anioma Movement for the Emancipation of Anioma Nation described Anioma State as fundamental to the identity, dignity and future of the people.
He said the creation of the state would correct historical anomalies, strengthen political inclusion and provide a platform for accelerated development anchored on shared culture and values.
Also in a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the coalition affirmed that the Anioma people are ancestrally, culturally and linguistically Igbos.
The coalition comprises of the indigenes from Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani LGAs.
They said that their decision to support the proposed state creation is anchored on internationally recognised rights, including provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They said that excising Anioma from Delta State and the South- South geopolitical zone will allow its people to fully realise and protect their collective interests within the South-East, where they share deep historical and cultural affinity.
The group said that the proposed Anioma State would not undermine Delta State or strain inter-ethnic relations.
“Both Anioma State and Delta State will coexist peacefully as neighbours, cooperating and leveraging on their respective comparative advantages for mutual development,” the group said.
The coalition said that the bill has attracted significant goodwill and support from lawmakers across party lines at the National Assembly, reflecting a growing national consensus on the legitimacy of the Anioma cause.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was represented at the Government House by his Chief of Staff, Mr Johnson Erijo, received the coalition’s letter and solidarity delegation.
Addressing the group, the Chief of Staff, said the Oborevwori administration is not opposed to the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people.
He warmly welcomed the Anioma delegation and commended their peaceful conduct and sense of ownership of the current administration.
Erijo noted that the governor was fully briefed about the visit and had directed him to receive the coalition on his behalf.
He said he has listened carefully to the presentation and found nothing amiss in the group’s disposition or demands, describing their approach as matured, orderly and constructive.
He assured the delegation that their message had been clearly received, stressing that the Oborevwori administration remains open to engagement and dialogue with all segments of the state.(NAN)
