NED NWOKO IS RIGHT, ANIOMAS ARE IGBOS – DELTA MONARCH
Read Time:2 Minute, 22 Second
By Sunmisola Shodayo
The customary leader of Idumuje-Unor in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Obi Charles Chukwunweike Anyasi III, has confirmed that the inhabitants of Delta North Senatorial District, commonly referred to as Anioma, are Igbos.
In a special interview segment on TVC titled Behind the Headlines, Obi Anyasi III articulated that despite assertions of diverse lineages, Aniomas are “statutorily Igbos,” emphasizing that Senator Ned Nwoko’s classification is accurate.
Elaborating on the origin of the term “Anioma,” the monarch recounted that it was coined by Sir Dennis Osadebay, with “A” representing Aniocha, “N” signifying Ndokwa, “I” denoting Ika, and “O” for Oshimili, while the letters “M” and “A” were included for poetic enhancement. He portrayed Anioma as “empowered by nature,” encompassing an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers and a population of around two million, endowed with a robust workforce, industries, cultural artifacts, and dynamic traditions.
Tracing the historical quest for Anioma statehood, Obi Anyasi noted that advocacy commenced in 1954 under the Lyttleton Constitution, regarded as Nigeria’s first authentic federal constitution, with Osadebay at the forefront of the movement. He indicated that the drive for Anioma has experienced nine distinct phases of agitation and has gained renewed momentum following Senator Ned Nwoko’s introduction of a bill for the establishment of Anioma State in the 10th Senate.
“This agitation represents a natural desire you cannot take away from the people,” the monarch emphasized.
READ ALSO:
INSIDE BARCELONA’S CAMP NOU CHAOS: WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHY?
Regarding which geopolitical zone Anioma should belong to, he stated:
“If you ask me personally, I would say South-South. But with the current political realities, it may not work well. The mindset of the President speaks to balancing the federation, since the South-East currently has only five states. If the optics favour the South-East, and we cannot change it, why don’t we accept it?”
The monarch further contended that the establishment of Anioma State would facilitate governance closer to the citizenry and unlock additional opportunities.
“The dividends of democracy will come closer with Anioma State. We have moved from Midwest to Bendel to where we are now. We shouldn’t fear the future. With all we have, we can seek self-determination,” he stated.
He praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, recognizing him as one of the most competent leaders the state has had, while adding that “desire is inexhaustible. ”
The moderator of the TVC program, Nifemi Oguntoye, characterized Obi Anyasi III as a royal patriarch who embodies both the cultural heritage and contemporary aspirations of the Anioma populace, noting that his voice fortifies the argument that Anioma is not only a viable entity but also a historical necessity in achieving balance within Nigeria’s geopolitical framework.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0