- Say Unity, Identity Utmost Priority
Delta North monarchs have called for a more inclusive dialogue and wider consultation with critical stakeholders on the issue of Anioma State creation and its configuration in the geopolitical dynamics of the Nigerian State, saying that the unity, cohesion and identity of the people of Anioma should be given utmost priority in all circumstances.
Rising from their quarterly meeting at Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area, the monarchs, under the aegis of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, appealed for calm among the political class and proponents of the Anioma State agenda, insisting that the input, views and opinions of all strata of Anioma community should be aggregated in the pursuit of the goals for the creation of the proposed state.
In a five-point communique, signed by its Chairman and Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor II and the Vice Chairman, Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Dr. Henry kikachukwu I, they underscored the importance of engagements across board and unity of purpose, adding the people should unanimously agree to speak with one voice based on issues of common interest to the entire Anioma nation as one indivisible entity with common identity and heritage. The monarchs said, ”we should stop washing our dirty linen in public”.
“Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Senate and other elected representatives of the Anioma people, the political class and other critical stakeholders should work together and engage the people to know what they want, rather than embark on what is perceived as personal aggrandizement”.
The monarchs pointedly enjoined those currently agitating for the Anioma State creation and the drivers of the initiative to “maintain the status quo”, pending when a comprehensive dialogue and all-inclusive consultations have been concluded in order to give the initiative a clearer direction.
The monarchs frowned at a situation where the issue of Anioma State creation and the zoning formula has polarized the political class and other critical stakeholders, saying such acrimony was capable of derailing the entire overall objective and deprive the zone the much desired social, economic and political development.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who attended the meeting, took advantage of the forum to brief the royal fathers on his activities in the Senate and the “vexed issue of the Anioma State agenda which has polarized the district and generated needless controversy over the configuration of the proposed Anioma State.”
