By Victor Bieni, Asaba
As the call for the creation of Anioma State gathers momentum in Nigeria’s Political landscape, the apex traditional authority of Asaba,Asagba-in-Council, Anioma Traditional Rulers Council, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to listen to Ned Nwoko, grant Anioma people her 74-year-old request as regards the creation of Anioma State.
The media learnt this today being on Monday, July 15, 2024 In a letter to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the leadership of Anioma Apex Traditional group, Asagba-in-Council, which was signed by the Regent, Prof. Anthony Onuora Edozien MD (Ochendo Asagba) and the Secretary of Asaba Palace, Chief Patrick N. C. Ndili, and other notable Sons, Daughters call of Anioma appealed to Tinubu to grant the aged-long request.
Anioma Apex group, Anioma Monarchs has stated that, for over 74 years till date, before the creation of Delta State, that Anioma people; all critical stakeholders-notable institutions and groups, Youths, Women, political and community leaders have spoken in one voice, that this is the time for the agitation to yield result.
The leadership has hinted that, the highly respected apex traditional group and entire Anioma people are hundred percent in support of its inclusion with the south-east geo-political zones of Nigeria the Bill as proposed which has passed first reading at the Senate as presented on the floor by Most Distinguished Senator Representing Delta North at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Sen. Prince Barr Ned Munir Nwoko on Anioma State Creation.
The statement by Asagba-in-Council reads in parts: “We believe and align with Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, that the creation of Anioma State will permanently address the imbalance of the number of states in the South East as it is composed today and assuage the insecurity in the region. We fully identify with the resolve of Mr. President to restore peace and security in the South East”.
“We respectfully invite Mr. President to take cognizance of our cultural, traditional and linguistic affinity with the people of the South East. Our boundaries are well documented. Anioma State will be very viable as it has abundant human and natural resources”.
“It is against this backdrop that we fully support the creation of Anioma State and totally support Senator Prince Ned Nwoko on the long drawn out quest for Anioma State”.
“The people of Ahaba (Asaba) send their warm greetings and commend your wisdom in piloting the affairs of state”, the statement stressed, and copied to the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass and all representatives of Delta North North in the National Assembly”.
“In another letter to the forum of traditional rulers under the leadership of HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa, the Asagba-in-Council urged the Anioma monarchs to rally support of their respective community behind the Senator Prince Ned Nwoko for the actualisation of Anioma State”.
“While emphasising the expediency of current opportunity for creation of the long sought Anioma State, the Ochendo Asagba appealed to the forum of Anioma traditional rulers to likewise formally write on behalf of their respective communities to the relevant federal authorities in support of the creation of Anioma State”.