ABUJA: Sen Ned Nwoko has reiterated that the Anioma people of Delta State are undeniably of Igbo origin, sharing deep similarities in language, culture, traditions, food, and ways of life with other Igbo communities across the Southeast.
Speaking at politics today, the lawmaker emphasized that Anioma deserves statehood not only to reflect fairness in Nigeria’s federal structure but also because the region is economically viable and culturally unified.
According to Nwoko, the Anioma nation comprises nine local government areas that function harmoniously as one people. Anioma people understand one another.
Whether Ukwuani, Ika or Aniocha people, our dialects may differ slightly, but our language is the same, just as Yoruba spoken in Lagos differs in tone from that in Oyo or Ekiti yet remains the same language. We are Igbos, not Binis as some falsely claim, he asserted.
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He further explained that historical and linguistic evidence supports Anioma’s Igbo roots. There is no Anioma person who cannot understand another. Even my name, Chinedu, from which Ned is derived, reflects my Igbo heritage, he added.
On the issue of state creation, Nwoko revealed that the conclusion of the Lagos retreat was to propose the creation of one additional state in the Southeast, Anioma State to bring the region to six states.
He noted that this move would also be mirrored across the federation, with one new state to be created in each region, ensuring all geopolitical zones have seven states each.
This is part of the president’s effort to correct the long-standing marginalization of the SouthEast, Nwoko explained. When Anioma is created, it will not only complete the balance but also stand as a model of economic self-sufficiency.
Highlighting Anioma’s economic strength, the senator revealed that the region is richly endowed with natural resources.
Anioma has one of the highest gas deposits in the world, and out of our nine local government areas, six are oil-producing.
Currently, Anioma contributes about 40 percent of Delta state oil and gas revenue to the national coffers. We are also an agrarian region, making us economically sound and self-reliant, he also mentions most business moguls in the banking industry, media and oil and gas are from anioma he stated.
Senator Nwoko also spoke passionately about justice for detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, describing his prolonged detention as unjust.
Kanu has been held for too long without justice. No one should be denied fair hearing or due process. Justice must be served, no matter who is involved, he said.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the federal government’s constitutional reforms and state creation plans would soon materialize, giving every region equal representation and ensuring equity, peace, and unity across Nigeria.
