Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko Advocates for Anioma State Creation, Backed by Traditional Monarch
In a bold move, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, has reiterated his support for the creation of Anioma State, citing a deep commitment to the welfare and progress of his constituents at the national level. The senator made the declaration during the Anioma stakeholders summit in Asaba, which drew participants from all nine local government areas in the senatorial district.
Nwoko’s commitment to the advancement of the Anioma people is unwavering, and he has denied speculations surrounding his alleged gubernatorial ambitions amidst his fervent advocacy for the creation of Anioma State. The senator emphasized that the pioneer governor of Anioma State should come from the Ndokwa nation, a region that has long been marginalized despite its significant economic contributions through oil production.
The senator highlighted the benefits of state creation, drawing a parallel to the establishment of Delta state from the former Bendel State. He pointed out that statehood can drive development, as evidenced by Asaba’s transformation from a small village to a thriving city once it became the capital of Delta state. Nwoko also noted the political advantages of creating Anioma state, including increased representation in the Senate, House of Representatives, and state assembly.
The Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, backed Nwoko’s stance on the state creation, stating that the agitation for Anioma State is in order and needs to be encouraged by all and sundry, as long as it is not an illegitimate quest and not intended to disintegrate the country. The monarch emphasized that the agitation for the creation of Anioma State should not be politicized.
The chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Dan Okenyi, said the summit was put together to bring all Anioma stakeholders on one platform to build consensus and forge a common front towards the realisation of an age-long aspiration. The summit aimed to arrive at crucial resolutions that would invigorate the Anioma State creation bill before the Senate.
The move to create Anioma State has sparked widespread debate, with proponents arguing that it would bring about increased development and representation for the region, while opponents argue that it would lead to division and fragmentation of the country.
