UNITED IGBO ELDERS’COUNCIL WORLDWIDE,a socio-cultural body of Igbo leaders across the South East,South south and North central zones as well as the Diaspora have endorsed the creation of Anioma state.
Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North senatorial district at the National Assembly had proposed a bill seeking the creation of Anioma state.His proposal which recently passed the first reading on the floor of the senate not only reenacted what is generally believed to be the oldest agitation on state creation in Nigeria standing since the past 50 years but has also generated wide debates.
The United Igbo Elders’Council Worldwide said the quest for Anioma state was legitimate and overdue in the Nigerian federal structure.
A statement titled “Position of United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide” by the elite Igbo group reads :
“The United Igbo Elders Council, Worldwide, having been inundated with questions whether the creation of an Anioma state wouldn’t jeopardize the quest for new states in the “Southeast,” wish to categorically state that the Anioma people more than Igbo Elders know what is good for them and 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! Hence, the United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide, comprising Igbo Elders from all the North central, Southeast, and South south “Zones” and states of major or minor Igbo indigeneity, as well as those in the Diaspora, are in full support of the creation of Anioma State, regardless of any new states elsewhere.
“The Council, ably led by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Anthony I. Iguh, CON (Okosisi Nimo, Fmr. Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and fmr. Chief Judge of Old and New Anambra State), is not interested in, or even advising Anioma people to leave or join any “zone” or “region,” but simply in the legitimate self-determination of the Anioma peoples which, certainly, would be beneficial to every Nigerian, including us.
“It was, therefore, with enormous joy that the United Igbo Elders Council, Worldwide received news of the resumption of the quest for an Anioma state to be created out of the present Delta state of Nigeria. We noted that many other groups in the same state, not even as homogenous as the Anioma, had in the past equally sought a similar statehood for themselves within Nigeria. And, we particularly understand that there are far more solid grounds for the Anioma people in making this noble request, among which:
“1.It has been a long-standing demand of those generally known as West Niger Igbo, who may know themselves by so many other lexicons, for a state of their own outside the original Western Region.
“2.Whereas the demand for Anioma was only partially met with the creation of the Bendel and later Delta, states, it has actually never really been solved, since the preexisting contradictions still remain.
“3.The Anioma people, despite a diversity of dialects, equally appreciate their overwhelming homogeneity and singleness of purpose in vital respects, which is the basis of the firm bonds of unity between these peoples and major towns, 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.
“4.It was that unity of purpose and singleness of mind that stood the Anioma people apart as one of the greatest contributors to African liberation and Nigerian independence through the _Ekumeku_ wars of national resistance to Nigerian independence in both the NCNC, the AG and other parties, same way many of their elites did during the national crisis in Nigeria, sometimes against dominant tendencies.
“5.The quest for an Anioma state will significantly enlarge the development potentials of both the new Anioma state, as well as the positive rump of the Delta state composed of the Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Urhobo. Hence, for a new Anioma and Delta states, it would be win-win on both sides.
“6.In this connection, we are mindful of the issues, now muted, surrounding Asaba as the Delta state capital, leading to one earlier Governor in veiled protest almost always sleeping at Warri instead of the capital city. With the creation of Anioma the two cities and others would enjoy an opportunity to develop optimally in mutual cooperation as brothers and sisters, away from the impression of resources of a part being used to develop another. The Anioma people have nothing against anybody, except seeking to accelerate the pace of economic and cultural development for all, unencumbered by any natural “cleavages.”
“7.Since the Asaba genocide of 1967 in particular and the civil war in general, the Anioma people have been crying for a healing and true reconstruction, and the creation of an Anioma state would be a significant step towards some recompense and closure.
“8.It needs reminding that many great Anioma sons and daughters, in the military and as civilians, amidst the uncertainties and divisions of the time, stood and fought on the federal side, and till today still hoping for something to show their peoples as dividend for the patriotic foresight on the side of One Nigeria. The creation of an Anioma state would be a patriotic answer to this popular expectation.
“9.Anioma is rich in oil, gas, and other natural resource and human capital, and will have no problem generating enough IGRs to sustain herself with or without central fundings.
“10.Anioma state is a legitimate right to self-determination for a people that have suffered for so long, yearning for understanding, and an opportunity to contribute optimally to the development and progress of a united Nigeria, in conditions of peace and harmony with their neighbours.
It is on the above basis that the United Igbo Elders Council Worldwide fully endorses the energetic efforts by distinguished Senator Alhaji Muir Ned Nwoko and others for the creation of the Anioma state, and appeals to all Anioma peoples to be of one mind in supporting their distinguished Senator, and well-meaning Nigerians to accede to the noble request”
Signed for and on behalf of the UNITED IGBO ELDERS COUNCIL WORLDWIDE, by:
His Lordship;
Hon Justice Anthony I. Iguh, CON, JSC (President-General)
His Lordship, Justice Alpha Ikpeama (Coordinator-General)
H. E. Pastor Michael Obierika (Secretary, Board of Trustees)
Professor Donald N. Okoli, JP (Acting Secretary-General)
Emeritus Vice Chancellor, Professor Chinedu Nebo (National Vice President)
Dr. Nwachukwu Anthony Anakwenze (National Patron Chairman Diaspora)
Iyom Josephine Anenih, mni (National Patroness)
Professor Obasi Igwe (Acting National P. R. O.)
Professor Nick Eze (National Chairman, Police Affairs)
Nze Amadiebube Mbama (Diasporan Coordinator)
Prince Richard Ozobu (National Patron)
Archbishop Chibuzo Okpoko (Spiritual Father/National Patron)
Professor Jerry Chukwuokolo
Thursday, July 10th 2024.
