• Urges his Colleagues, Deltans, and Nigerians to Back him
• Says Anioma State Possesses the economic and social potential to thrive

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA- WITH the commencement of another phase of review of the 1999 Constitution by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko, PDP, Delta North is drumming support for his agitation for the creation of Anioma State.

Speaking with Vanguard at the end of the Retreat
on the amendments to the 1999 constitution jointly organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, PLAC, Senator Nwoko said that he was reaching out to his colleagues in the Lower and Upper Chambers, the people of Delta State and other Nigerians to throw their weight behind the push for the creation of Anioma state.

According to him, as the review process unfolds, he is hopeful and resolute in his commitment to ensuring that Anioma, along with other underrepresented regions, gets its fair share of consideration and opportunities for development.

Nwoko while appealing to Nigerians to have a synergy with him in the realization of his desire, said that together, let all continue this journey with optimism and unity as they work towards a Nigeria that will uphold the aspirations of all its citizens.

On the viability of new states, especially about Anioma as a new state, Senator Nwoko reiterated that the new state when created possesses the economic and social potential to thrive, just as he stressed that with their unique culture, resourcefulness, and strategic location, all these place Anioma more than capable of sustaining itself and contributing to the overall growth of the nation.

He said that the fact that six out of the Nine local Governments in the proposed State are Oil and Gas bearing guarantees this, even as Asaba already has a thriving movie industry that will further be developed and Anioma leads in Sports in the Nation and presently hosts the first Sports University in the country.

Senator Nwoko said, “As a distinguished member of the Nigerian Senate, I am immensely optimistic, as the process for the review of the 1999 Constitution, which officially began, with the just concluded retreat in Kano, adjourns. The two-day retreat had the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Jibrin Barau representing the Senate President, and the Senate majority leader, Distinguished Senator Opeyemi Bamidele in attendance.

“The Special Senate Committee for the Review of the 1999 Constitution, which I am a member of, during this retreat received copies of summarised versions of the memorandum submitted to the Committee on all the issues for consideration even after deliberations. All these positions put forward will in their way influence the work each Senator has to put in to push the positions of their constituents. This therefore represents a critical step forward in our shared commitment to bettering our nation, signaling the onset of an essential review process that will shape the future of our country.

“During this retreat, we reviewed an array of materials, including the bills listed for consideration, with titles that reflect the diverse interests and needs of Nigerians. We also examined several memorandums submitted to the committee, in technical sessions and individually. These will serve as crucial references as we continue the hard work ahead. While the retreat may have ended, the deliberations will persist, with each senator carrying the responsibility of advocating for the concerns and aspirations of their respective zones.

“I want to assure all my Constituents in Delta North Senatorial zone, and Nigerians that we, as your representatives, are passionately pushing for the positions that matter most to our people. For me, personally, the interests of Anioma will not be left behind in this process. The pursuit of justice, equity, and fairness for Delta North Development and the Creation of Anioma State, remains paramount, and I will continue to champion this cause until it is realized.

“It is worth noting that, during the retreat, no other State was listed for specific consideration in the papers we reviewed. This is observed with a sense of joy, as it implies a focus on broader, more inclusive reforms moving forward, for the people of Delta North. However, as we prepare for zonal meetings and subsequent public hearings, I appeal to my people of Anioma land, the good people of Delta North, and Nigerians for further cooperation. Your voices and contributions are essential to ensuring that the final outcomes of this constitutional review reflect the true will of the people.

“Interestingly, no other Senator made specific mention of any particular state during the deliberations, apart from myself. Taking a cue from Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso, who eloquently spoke on the need for the creation of a sixth state in the Southeast, though without specifying which State, I took the opportunity to bring the case of Anioma and Indigbo States to the forefront of the conversation. I emphasized the viability of Anioma state, despite the reservations on New State viability.

“While only one speaker, A former INEC Chairman, Prof Atahiru Jega spoke on the viability of new states, about the clamours for State Creation, I reiterated my position that Anioma state possesses the economic and social potential to thrive. Our unique culture, resourcefulness, and strategic location make Anioma more than capable of sustaining itself and contributing to the overall growth of the nation. The fact that six out of the Nine local Governments in the proposed State are Oil and Gas bearing guarantees this. In Addition, Asaba already has a thriving movie industry that will further be developed. Anioma leads in Sports in the Nation and presently hosts the first Sports University in the country.

“As the review process unfolds, I remain hopeful and resolute in my commitment to ensuring that Anioma, along with other underrepresented regions, gets its fair share of consideration and opportunities for development. Together, let us continue this journey with optimism and unity as we work towards a Nigeria that upholds the aspirations of all its citizens.”