Divergent Views Arise on Senator Ned Nwoko's Proposal for Anioma State Creation

 Senator Ned Nwoko's proposal for the creation of Anioma State has sparked mixed reactions within the Delta North senatorial district. While Nwoko advocates for the urgent establishment of Anioma State to ensure equitable representation and resource allocation for the South East, some members of the Ukwuani ethnic group within the district have voiced their opposition.

In a recent interactive session with constituents in Abuja, Senator Nwoko emphasized the need for Anioma State, citing the region's rich oil and gas resources and significant human capital as factors that make it a viable candidate for statehood. He pledged to present a bill to this effect in the National Assembly.

However, the Ukwuani people, representing one of the nine local government areas in Delta North, expressed their dissent in a statement signed by community leaders. They highlighted their historical ties to the original Delta province and their cultural affinity with ethnic groups such as the Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw, rather than with Aniocha and Oshimili, the core areas of Anioma.

The Ukwuani community asserted that they had previously conveyed their stance against the inclusion of their territory in Anioma State through the Ndokwa Neku Union. They argued that Ukwuani's cultural and historical connections align more closely with the core Delta province, and they expressed a preference for potential statehood alongside the Urhobo, Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw peoples.

Emphasizing their comparative advantages in terms of natural resources, population, land mass, and human capital, the Ukwuani people advocated for the creation of a separate Ukwuani State. They opposed the creation of Anioma State without due consideration for factors such as capital location, distribution of local government areas, and placement of government facilities.

The divergence of opinions within the Delta North senatorial district underscores the complexity of the state creation process and the need for thorough consultations to address the concerns of all stakeholders.