THE member representing Delta North Senatorial District, Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), has said the clamour for the creation of Anioma State is not about politics, but a matter of destiny, equity and justice for the people.
Nwoko, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said this in an interview with journalists.
According to him, ‘’it is a generational dream tied to cultural survival and self-determination.
”It has nothing to do with the politics of APC or PDP. Anioma has always maintained a distinct sense of self despite administrative boundaries.
“Anioma is viable in terms of any parameter for state creation; be it population, economic viability, linguistic and cultural affinity, identity and historical link.
“It was, therefore, a huge surprise and disappointment that some persons are politicising the Anioma State creation and making it look like a political struggle.
“This myopic attitude and viewpoint demonstrate a disconnect from the Anioma people who are visibly excited that their emancipation is in sight,” he said.
The federal lawmaker also disclosed that though he didn’t start the struggle, he would complete it.
According to him, the struggle for the creation of Anioma state is more than five decades old.
“The present-day struggle for the creation of Anioma State has the blessing of the new Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge; the Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, and other notable royal fathers as well as politicians from every political divide and supporters from every tribe and language in the district.
Nwoko disclosed that the public hearing was a resounding success for the Anioma State creation bid, adding that no one voice of dissent was heard meaning that it is popular, generally accepted and feasible.
“Let it be sounded clearly that the Anioma State creation is not a demand for separation but for recognition. No sensible person should stand in its way.
“It is a moving train that can potentially crush any clog on its wheel of progress. Let us all divorce politics for this cause, because it is a dream and that time will come.
“It is bigger than politics of attrition. It is bigger than any one person. It is a collective vision rooted in cultural uniqueness, values and contribution to the larger Nigerian State.
“This is the time for unity and not division. A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he emphasised.
