Group Rallies Support For Anioma State Creation

The Anioma State Creation Technical Committee has urged all Anioma citizens to rally behind the push for a separate state, framing it as a long-standing quest for development, equity, and representation.

The committee’s Media and Publicity Director, Tonnie Oganah, emphasized the need for unity and support, thanking the APC and its genuine members for their backing.

In a 15-point brief on the agitation’s history, Oganah traced the demand to 1951, when “Lower Niger State” was first proposed. He credited early champions, including Dennis Osadebe and Senator Nosike Ikpo, who were active in the Igbo Union, which evolved into Ohanaeze Ndigbo after the civil war.

Oganah argued that zoning has no legal basis, stating that “The concept of zoning is not mentioned in the Constitution.” He added that fiscal allocations are shared by states and local governments, not zones.

The committee projected socioeconomic gains, including new jobs, contracts, and empowerment for women. Oganah noted that “There will be new jobs for our youths, contracts for our business people, and empowerment for women. New local governments will be created equally across our current nine LGAs, bringing the total to 18.”

Addressing perceived imbalances within Delta, Oganah cited Ika’s political advantages and Ndokwa/Ukwuani’s underdevelopment despite population and land mass.

He dismissed suggestions that the campaign revolves around Senator Ned Nwoko, saying, “Once created, the benefits will come to every Anioma person and not only to Senator Prince Ned Nwoko.”

“The time is now. Let us rise in unity and purpose to support this noble aspiration,” Oganah concluded.

PUNCH