Nwoko seeks Ohanaeze Ndigbo support for creation of Anioma as additional state in Southeast

 

By Okechukwu Onuegbu 

Senator Ned Nwoko, member representing the Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, on Monday, sought the support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the quest of his people for creation of Anioma as 37 State.

Anioma, comprising 9 Local Government Areas (LGAs) is seeking to be carved out of the present Delta State and added as sixth State in the South East geopolitical zone which is currently having only 5 as against four other geopolitical zones having 6 States with an exception of North West that has 7.

Nwoko made the call at 2025 Igbo day organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and hosted in Awka by the Anambra State government. The occasion was also used by the traditional rulers from Igbo speaking States such as Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Benue to crown Governor Chukwuma Soludo as Oku nyeru Ife (the light that rekindles light in Igbo land).

The billionaire senator, who was chairman of the occasion but represented by Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, explained that he has mobilised supports of over 90 Senators out of 109 across the country with optimism that it would yield positive results.

"I appeal to the Igbo to rise in one voice and unite for creation of Anioma as 6th State in Southeast and 37th in Nigeria. We are your brothers from across the Niger. Igbo bu ofu (Igbo is one). Our strengths lies in our unity. We need to rise in one voice to say we are proud to be Igbo.

" The nine LGAs are inhibited by anioma Igbo whom you left behind and at various time in Nigerian history we have been called different names. We have been agitating for a creation of our own state since 70 years ago to correct the decades of injustice against us, ndigbo and increase our political representation at the centre. This will also speed up the development of the country. We need your support," he stated.

On Igbo day, Nwoko called for unity, oneness and love so as to attain the height desired by Igbo nation.

"We must recognise that we are one indivisible Igbo nation, and work collectively together with one strong voice. Let love keep us together. We must learn to live together irrespective of wherever we find ourselves in the world. Igbo is one all over the world. Let no Igbo son or daughter be left behind towards our resolve to build a greater Nigeria.

"Igbo are powerful and peaceful people. We cherish lives and must rise to protect our lands, our culture and traditions wherever we are. We must rise in unity to maintain, say no to insecurity in Nigeria and Igbo. We are great achievers and have responsibility to protest ourselves. We must rise to live in this crusade for a peaceful co-existence in Nigeria and Igbo together.

"Our elders must live by examples and demonstrate the exemplary virtues and values the Igbo are known for. Our youth must show unifying conducts, promote unity and peace all over the world. We have one bond to protect it. Let's march on in the spirit of let's be our brothers keepers," he stated.

Earlier speaking, the National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata, represented by Deputy President General, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, explained that the event was aimed at remembering the Igbo people who lost their lives during the civil war, including those killed all over the country.

Mbata, who explained that the Igbo have already forgiven those that contributed to the killings and would never love a repeat of such in future.

"We have also forgiven those who killed our people and ask them to forgive us too. We don't want a repeat of such killings in Nigeria and other parts of the country. 29th September is a day set aside to remember our brothers and sisters brutally murdered on September 29th, 1966 and those killed all over the country before and after the war.

"We remain proud of our heroes past and look up for the new heroes. We are compel to do the right things at all times to each other. We are calling on everyone to be united. We do not want a desolate Igbo land. We want to build an Igbo land as destination for all. 

"We will stand up for each other to build a nation that is strong, economy that is viable and strong, a united and progressive Igbo land. We are not calling for a special interest to be given to the Igbo but an equal right, access and opportunity to live and make Nigeria proud," Mbata added.

Speaking on the crown of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezekwu, emphasized that although the State changed from home for all to light of the nation it became a reality during the time of Soludo as a governor.

"We have finally become the light of the nation under governor Soludo. He has through his leadership styles lightened Anambra State in infrastructure, security, education and other sectors," he stated.

Earlier, governor Chukwuma Soludo, commended the Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the honour, which he said would spur him for more positive action for a greater Igbo nation and Nigeria generally .

" This honour isn't just a recognition of my service, but a testament to the resilience and unity of our great Igbo nation. As we celebrate our heritage, we must also acknowledge the challenges we face. It's time for us to come together and have an honest conversation about our future, both regionally and internationally. 

"We have seen the devastating effects of war, and it is crucial we prioritize peace and collaboration. I urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to lead the charge in reviving and promoting our value system through moral transformation. I'm also reiterating my earlier call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Asiwaju of Nigeria) for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu," he stated.