A stakeholders’ summit convoked by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North at the National Assembly took place on Saturday, pursuant to his legislative steps towards the creation of Anioma state.
The meeting was attended by critical stakeholders in the Anioma nation, including some serving and former National and State Assembly members, traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths.
Addressing the gathering, the visionary noted that the agitation for the creation of Anioma state had been a long standing one started over five decades ago, expressing the optimism that the dream would come true through his efforts.
Senator Nwoko, who paid tribute to prominent sons of Anioma of blessed memory who started the struggle, including Asagba (Prof) Chike Edozien, George Orewa, Senator Nosike Ikpo, among others, said the meeting was meant to reawaken the consciousness of Anioma people on their desire to be independent.
The Star Prince pointed out that it did not matter whether the state would be in the South East or South South geopolitical zone, stressing that he was only interested in Anioma people having a state of their own, and had no ambition to be Governor of the state
He revealed that the Bill for the creation of the state, which he sponsored, had passed the first reading and would soon be read the second time, after which a public hearing would hold preparatory to its passage, promising to sponsor as many Anioma people as possible to the public hearing to show their support for the new state.
The Federal Lawmaker said he was confident that President Bola Tinubu would give assent to the Bill, which he said he was sure would enjoy support from across the country as required by the Constitution.
Senator Nwoko told the stakeholders that he would do everything in his power to garner the support of his colleagues for the new state, pointing out that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, was favourably disposed to the creation of Anioma State, but with a caveat that he would prefer it to be in the South South.
He urged sons and daughters of Anioma to see the agitation for the creation of their state as a collective responsibility and be prepared to be part of the success story of the new state.
In their separate remarks, Hon Ngozi Okolie, Hon Ossai N. Ossai, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, and some traditional rulers, including Ochendo Asagba, Engr. Louis Edozien; Obi Henry Kikachukwu of Ubuku,-Unor, Dein of Agbor, Ikenchuku Kiagborekuzi 1, among others, thanked Senator Ned Nwoko for his commitment to the agitation for the creation of Anioma State and pledged their support.
OKOWA Vs EFCC: Ex-Governor’s One-time Spokesperson Writes On The Facts, The...