By Fred Odu
In fulfillment of his promise during the stakeholders’ summit on the creation of the proposed Anioma State, held in Asaba in August last year, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has announced the setting up of a Technical Committee to work on the requirements for achieving the statehood.
Announcing this at the palace of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, during a courtesy visit, Senator Nwoko said while he would be dealing with the legislative aspects of the proposed Anioma State, the Technical Committee would focus on meeting other requirements for the creation of the state.
The technical committee comprised traditional rulers, the three House of Representatives members from Delta North, some members of Delta State State House of Assembly from Delta North, prominent Anioma sons and daughters and women groups.
The committee also includes representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations, Anioma Congress, Anioma Indigenes Worldwide, Anioma Professionals, Izu Anioma, Onu Ika, Ndokwa Neku Union, Omus of Anioma, Forum of Delta North Councillors, Forum of Presidents General of Anioma Communities, Yoruba and Arewa communities in Delta North.
Senator Nwoko, who disclosed that the Committee would soon be inaugurated, said his visit to the palace was to inform the Asagba that a public hearing on the creation of the proposed Anioma State would hold on 4th and 5th of July, in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.
He urged Asagba Prof Azinge to not only play a key role in the Technical Committee, but also attend the public hearing and make a presentation that would give a royal impetus to the request for the creation of the state.
The federal lawmaker revealed that 75 Senators were in support of the Anioma State project, which remained the only request before the Senate, expressing optimism that the number of Senators would increase to about 90 in the coming days.
He said creation of Anioma State was a very important subject matter for him, and indeed every Anioma person, pointing out that the request for the proposed state had come a long way and had never been closer to reality than now because he got the assurances of President Tinubu, the Vice President, Senate President and the APC National Chairman before defecting to APC.
Senator Nwoko called on leaders and critical stakeholders of Anioma nation to mobilize individuals and groups for the public hearing and submit their memoranda.
Responding, the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof Epiphany Azinge, SAN, commended Senator Ned Nwoko for his legislative impact, especially with respect to pushing for the creation of Anioma State and the upgrade of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Asaba, to a Federal University of Technology.
He expressed profound appreciation for Senator Nwoko’s performance at the National Assembly, describing him as a proactive and visionary lawmaker whose passion for Anioma’s development is evident in his actions.
He praised Senator Nwoko for his efforts in championing the bill to upgrade the Asaba College of Education (Technical) to a full-fledged University of Technology, despite it not being in his immediate community.
He said: “On behalf of Asaba people, I say thank you for the successful public hearing on the bill to upgrade Asaba College of Education (Technical) to a full-fledged University of Technology. I was unable to attend, but I have since been fully briefed. Thanks for championing that course.
“Ordinarily, university will not be your concern, you’re running a private university already, and not that the university is in your own immediate village. This rightly demonstrates your passion and your commitment to the total well-being of Anioma people. Ndi Asaba will remember this for a long time to come. It will come to fruition.”
The monarch also hailed the senator’s commitment to the creation of Anioma state describing his approach as sacrificial.
“You have pursued Anioma State with missionary zeal. We commend you for the enthusiasm, the dedication, the commitment so far. Historically, Asaba people have always been in the forefront of changing the narratives.
“When Chief Dennis Osadebe championed the Anioma state creation, at that point in time, many people did not believe in that vision, even till date. As we ponder around, we reflect, we look at the history of what he and the likes of Dr. M.I. Okpara amongst others did.
“But like you rightly posited, everything falls in place at the right time. Perhaps you’re the one destined to actualize this, and it will happen in your time.
Obi Azinge, a constitutional law expert, also assured that the traditional institution would play its role in rallying grassroots support.
“I understand all the nuances of state creation. I believe you have clearly enunciated most of them. I do understand that traditional rulers have a role to play, not just in supporting but in getting our subjects to also support. I don’t think that will certainly be a problem.”
He also revealed the outcome of his previous engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“When I met with the President on the 20th of March, his responses underscored what you’re saying. His thinking is in sync with your plans.”
On the recent political realignments, he noted. “With the merger of the two political parties, we must proceed as one family in this quest. The likelihood is that Anioma State is going to materialize, and I also take cognizance of the fact that the realignment, that is the number of two-thirds majority required to ensure that a state is created, you are almost getting there in the APC family. That is an added advantage, and nobody can take that away or take it for granted.”
The public hearing on the Anioma Bill has been scheduled for July 4th and 5th in Uyo by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
