BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
The Odu Oma Club of Nigeria has urged stakeholders in Anioma land to avoid divisive politics and dishonesty in the ongoing movement for the creation of Anioma State.
The group, known for its historical involvement in Anioma affairs, praised recent progress at the Senate Committee on Constitution Review hearings but warned against political distractions that could derail the cause.
In a comprehensive release signed by its President, Patrick Ogbogu Okenyi, and Secretary General, Uche Emma Aboh, the group emphasized the importance of unity among the people of Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa, and Oshimili in pursuing statehood.
According to the statement, Anioma State creation was not just a political demand but a fulfillment of historical identity, justice, and self-determination for the Igbo-speaking communities west of the River Niger.
The club lauded the transparency and inclusiveness of the recent Senate public hearings in Ikot Ekpene and Enugu, where submissions by Anioma advocacy groups were presented.
“The presentations were well-argued, transparent, and inclusive, providing space for dissenting voices”, the group noted.
The club, however, expressed concern over what it described as “divisive narratives” surfacing in the media, especially the controversial debate surrounding Anioma’s alignment with the South-East or South-South geopolitical zones.
“The debate over geo-political alignment is largely inconsequential. Zones are not constitutional structures and do not determine governance. The focus should be on realizing Anioma State, not reliving colonial-era divisions”, the statement read.
Historical Identity Cannot Be Undermined
The Club highlighted the rich and unified history of the Anioma people, from their role in the Ekumeku resistance against British colonialism to their participation in the Biafran struggle during the Nigerian Civil War, and reminded detractors that Anioma had long-standing cultural, linguistic, and familial ties with the Igbo people across the River Niger.
“Western Igbos were controversially placed in the Western Region in 1947. The River Niger was arbitrarily used to divide a united people. Yet, the Anioma identity emerged as a product of resilience and political vision”, the group explained, citing the historic 1989 Anioma Declaration led by the Odu Oma Club and traditional rulers.
Rejection of Political Sabotage
The group took particular exception to recent press releases by local political groups, including Ndokwa Neku and a forum of nine Local Government Chairmen, which questioned the legitimacy of some documents presented during the public hearings. The club described these actions as unpatriotic and undermining.
“We must not allow personal or political interests to sabotage a cause that transcends individual ambition. The Anioma State project predates today’s actors and must not be reduced to party politics or ethnic baiting”, the statement declared.
Call for Support and Mobilization
As the Anioma State Creation Bill progresses toward the Third Reading and Plebiscite stages, the Odu Oma Club called on all Anioma citizens to rally behind Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, the current leading advocate for the state creation.
“Anioma State will correct the historic imbalance in the South-East and usher in significant political and economic opportunities, including new senatorial and House of Representatives seats, as well as autonomous governance”, the group said.
The statement ended with a powerful reminder: “God has given us the freedom of choice but not the freedom from the consequences of our choice. Let us choose unity, progress, and statehood—let us choose Anioma”.
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