By Chika Kwamba
Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Incorporation(AAAI) has thrown it weight behind the agitation for the creation of Anioma State, describing the demand as justified and long overdue.
This was contained in a statement signed by the President-General Apex Association of Anioma indigenes (AAAl) Apostle Patrick Nwanze, the group said the proposed state would provide a distinct political identity for the Igbo-speaking communities west of the River Niger.
It reads in parts; “The creation of Anioma State is a rightful demand whose time has come. It is time for the Anioma people to have a distinct political identity and a true sense of belonging within Nigeria.
“The agitation is rooted in history, recalling that in 1939, traditional rulers of the Anioma Kingdom strongly opposed the colonial government’s division of Nigeria, which separated Anioma from other Igbo-speaking groups.
“This historical injustice has had lasting impacts on our people, and the creation of Anioma State would be a significant step towards correcting this imbalance,” he added” Nwanze said.
Also, the statement further outlined some of the expected benefits of the state creation, includes : The promotion of good governance and accountability, preservation of cultural heritage, youth empowerment, economic development, and improved quality of life for Anioma indigenes.
