Igbo Elders Endorse Creation of Anioma State ….. Says Anioma people more than Igbo Elders know what is good for them
ABUJA/Nigeria: The United Igbo Elders’ Council Worldwide, a socio-cultural body representing Igbo leaders across the South East, South-South, and North-Central zones, as well as the Diaspora, has endorsed the creation of Anioma state.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district at the National Assembly, proposed a bill seeking the creation of Anioma state. This proposal, which recently passed the first reading in the Senate, has reignited a 50-year-old agitation for state creation in Nigeria and generated widespread debate.
The United Igbo Elders’ Council Worldwide stated that the quest for Anioma state is legitimate and long overdue within the Nigerian federal structure.
In a statement titled “Position of United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide,” the elite Igbo group emphasized that the Anioma people are best positioned to champion their cause. The council expressed its support, stating: “Anioma people more than Igbo Elders know what is good for them and are best positioned to champion their cause; that Igbo Elders find no contradiction between an Anioma state anywhere and other states elsewhere; and to that extent would lend whatever support and do whatever they can to ensure its realization.”
Led by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Anthony I. Iguh, CON, the council comprises Igbo Elders from various zones and states, including those in the Diaspora. They support the creation of Anioma state, viewing it as a legitimate self-determination effort that would benefit all Nigerians.
The statement further highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the Anioma people’s quest. It noted that the demand for Anioma state stems from a long-standing desire of the West Niger Igbo to have a state of their own outside the original Western Region. Despite the creation of Bendel and later Delta states, the core issues remain unresolved.
The council acknowledged the unity and singleness of purpose among the Anioma people, evidenced by their major towns and communities, such as Aniocha North/Isele Uku, Aniocha South/Ogwashi Uku, Ika North/Owa Oyibu, Ika South/Agbor, Ndokwa East/Aboh, Ndokwa West/Kwale, Olukumi/Odiani/Ebu, Oshimili North/Akwukwu Igbo, Oshimili South/Asaba, and Ukwuani/Obiaruku. This unity has historically contributed to significant national movements, including the Ekumeku wars and the struggle for Nigerian independence.
The council argued that creating Anioma state would enhance development potentials for both the new Anioma state and the remaining Delta state, composed of Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo groups. They emphasized that it would address longstanding issues, promote economic and cultural development, and provide a significant step towards healing and reconstruction for the Anioma people, particularly in light of historical grievances such as the Asaba genocide of 1967.
The council also pointed out that Anioma state would have no issues generating sufficient internal revenue, given its rich resources in oil, gas, and human capital. The creation of Anioma state is seen as a rightful step towards self-determination for a people who have long suffered and yearned for an opportunity to contribute optimally to Nigeria’s development in peace and harmony with their neighbors.
The United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide expressed their full endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko’s efforts and called for unified support from the Anioma people and well-meaning Nigerians to achieve this noble goal.
