As the quest for Anioma state creation rises in momentum, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, in Delta state, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, wants members of the state house of assembly from Delta North to show commitment towards the struggle.
Chief Eboh gave the charge in a press interview after the senate public hearing on agitation for Anioma state and other constitutional issues, held last weekend at Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.
The APC stalwart flayed the Delta North state lawmakers for what he described as their “ lukewarm attitude “ to the Anioma state creation movement.
It would be recalled that Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, had sponsored a bill for the creation of Anioma state, stirring nationwide debates.
Eboh expressed concerns that most of the state lawmakers of Delta North origin had not demonstrated keen interest in the Anioma struggle. He noted that there is no justification for their lethargy.
According to the APC leader, “the passive posture of the state legislators on the Anioma agitation does not align with the unwavering support and general enthusiasm of the people of Delta North who elected them.
“ The demand for the creation of Anioma state is a historical struggle. It is far older than members of the state house of assembly. A movement that started in 1954 deserves all attention.
“Our forebears, Sir Dennis Osadebe, Nosike Ikpo, the late Asagba of Asaba, and so many others championed the Anioma struggle. The new generation of state lawmakers, as representatives of the people of Delta North, ought to be very serious about it.
“I even read somewhere that some local government chairmen in Delta North claimed not to have signed a document giving their support to Anioma state. From credible reports now in the public domain, that seems to be an afterthought. They may be under pressure. We know they gave their assent. But that does not change anything.
A vast population of people want Anioma state. That is most important. Democracy is about people, not a few individuals.
“The posture of the state lawmakers from Delta North appears more worrisome and unacceptable compared with the council chairmen, who are less independent.
“ There must be a change of attitude by those elected to serve the interests of Anioma people. There should be no hide and seek. Everyone must be part of this state creation movement. It is for our common good,” Eboh said.
