₦airaland Forum

helinues:
The opposition would really struggle with their campaign in 2027. I watched video of a guy driving through the Lagos- Calabar coastal highway and he was full of praising president Tinubu.

I have seen several videos of NELFUND beneficiaries mostly from North praising the president for his efforts in giving the student loans to further their education

I have read about the economists, business men and women, financial institutions praising the reforms and policies of this government that's taking shape.

Just some days ago, Isaac Fayose who has been condemning this government and still condemning praised the CBN governor for his reforms in the finance sector

How would the opposition convince those people to vote for them in 2027

All the people you mentioned put together, how many are they?

Now, juxtapose them with the millions ready to kick Tinubu out in 2027.

You are judging from the video of a lone driver who was paid to go and do video on the so called Lagos-Calabar Coastal road.

Or paid Op-Ed on The Economist and co?

Wake up and smell the coffee.

What am I saying? I don’t even want you to smell the coffee until you see Tinubu’s bags being packed out of Aso Rock.

Burob:
Quite obvious that your mind is still in military mentality, what the great Fela Kuti tagged colonial mentality.

The problem with most of u wailers, is that u do not understand the democrazy u practice, hence ur mind still remains in a perpetual state of poverty.

Stop being everywhere with your talk and saying nothing. I can see you struggling to sound intelligent.

The question is, tell me what any state governor can do to immune his state and its dwellers from the effect of subsidy removal which is an act from the center.

Talk to specifics and leave Fela to Rest In Peace ☮️.

Burob:
Go meet your state governor & local government officials if u dey hungry, abi u dey wait for food from Abuja?

If u need better big fresh fish, go Ijaw land, if u need new sweet yam, go Benue State, & if u need palm oil to take chop your yam, go Imo state.

Was it my State governor or LGA chairman that removed the Subsidy that took the price of everything over the roof?

Don’t worry, “let’s just take it as a joke”.

One thing I know is that Nigeria will not remain in this mess forever.

Dem don dey borrow this one sense small small.

Unfortunately sense is alien to his Nairaland resident counterparts who prefer to wallow in lies and propagate same lies.

Chegesnd:
The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has since severed ties with the Church of England since the issue of Women ordination came up, this was long before recognition of gay partners
Infact the church here is leading the Conservative Anglican worldwide charting a new leadership for the Orthodox Anglican Communion.

But for religious superiority which exists only in your mind, the Catholic Church has her fair share of disagreement.
Blessing and recognition of same sex unions is also happening in your catholic church.

Let it also get into your head that, the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion is an entity of her own, and cannot be like 'ROMAN' Catholic Church.

Blessing of same sex couple was a mere suggestion of the late Pope Francis and not a communication of change of doctrinal position of the church on marriage.

So, update yourself.

Focusmind:
Bro, don't "chest-beat" at all about the Catholic Church. I am a staunch Catholic. Note that the Catholic Church is not immuned from the "onslaught" the mother Church is undergoing in the West. The late Pope John Paul 11, said it that, "the hopes of the church is in Africa". He foresaw the dilution of Christian doctrine in the west and the possibility of decline of the church in the west. There are lots of reformists within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church and these reformists could pull a surprise on the church with their reformists agenda.

So, let's continue to pray for the mother church so that the gate of hell shall not prevail against her. As societies evolves, rules also evolve. It may be a question of when and not if the Catholic Church would eventually reform itself.

Reform is not bad. The question is what reform?

The church has seen a lot of reforms. From the First Vatican Council to the Second Vatican Council that allowed local languages in the liturgy. Those are good reforms.

What is bad is advocating for the blessing of gay couples or ordination of gay priests or for priests to start marrying like Francis tried to do.

But since the Holy Mother Church survived him, I doubt such reforms can happen anytime soon.

Pope Leo is a conservative.

What is happening to the Anglican Church is evidence of what can happen when you give up on standards.

First, they accepted the so called ordination of women as priests.

Then they accepted the ordination of gays.

Then they accepted the consecration of women as bishops.

And, as is characteristic with the devil, they now want to make a woman the Archbishop of Catenbury.

This is why they all will never lace the shoe of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It has remained conservative to its Apostolic standards to avoid this kind of rubbish.

That’s why I was angry that Pope Francis was advocating such rubbish for the Catholic Church. Thank God we survived him. May something like him never happen to the church again.

fergie001:
I did so because I believe in zoning, in equity, Justice and fairness.

Are you made aware that Abia Governor & His Deputy are from the same Senatorial Zone when it ordinarily shouldn't have? Nobody is talking about it because he is indeed working, I respect that.

I believe nobody should say power must remain in the South, like it was said in 2022.

Power is remaining in the south. You can see nearly all parties have zoned to South.

And now, ADC’s hands is also being forced to follow suit.

Or were you talking of Abia?

So, it’s now clear that they demolished the buildings not because they were built on canals nor areas designated as roads, but because they did not give “Owomida”.

And they couldn’t just seal the buildings but demolished them.

And people are cheering this heartlessness.

Nsogbu adiro!

fergie001:
Been a consistent critic of his even before he became Governor but hats off to him, Chioma you are God-sent.

That’s why you never gave him a chance.

You even thought PDP’s 2 weeks old candidate would defeat him.

But I’ve always believed in him.

franugo:
Let's play your game then, NO, it is against the labor law to force staff to not join a union.
Now over to you, do you have evidence that dangote broke this law?

Why did he sack 800 of his staff that voted to join PENGASSAN?

yarimo:
why didn't you and your family build a refinery and make sure PENGASSAN and NUPENG take control of your your staff

Are you unable to have constructive conversation?

Streetinvestor2:
If u want to do union in a private business then u need to be flogged and sacked. Then go create ur own business and do what ever u like in it.It is even his fault for employing such kind of person in the first instance.
If he didn't employ u,will u be telling him rubbish in his business

Are you conversant with Labour Law? The fact that when an organization is up to a certain designation, some certain things apply to it?

Like payment of minimum wage and all?

Again,have you checked similar Refineries in Belgium and other parts of Europe if their workers are not unionized?

The crisis between Dangote and PENGASSAN has lingered for over a month. And just when you think the matter has been settled, a new dimension to it emerges.

In the heart of the crisis is the fact that PENGASSAN wants Dangote refinery workers to be unionized while Dangote opposes the idea. And the question is why?

Why doesn’t Dangote want his Refinery workers unionized?

Is it because he wants to be exploited them as he wants without anyone to question him or what?

Because if the argument is about Dangote Refinery being a private establishment, then remember that all commercial Banks in Nigeria are privately owned but their workers are members of the sector’s union.

All Commercial Airlines in Nigeria are privately owned yet their workers belong to the sector’s union.

Why should Dangote Refinery case be different?

fergie001:
Me, jmoore & penguin2 on the top of our voices in Owerri on Tuesday:

Akanbiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, we love you.

🤣🤣🤣

Bro, I’m steadily giving up on 2027 like you have always suggested o.

After hearing that Mbah is planning on defecting to APC, and knowing that Fubara might be on his way too. While the governors of Bayelsa, Plateau and Osun are one leg in PDP and one leg in APC, I really don’t know how Tinubu will be defeated in 2027.

Add that to the fact that 50% of the young people who came out in 2023 have sworn never to try it again after they felt their efforts amounted to nothing.

Nigeria’s saving seems far off than I had hoped🤦

destinychildolu:
APC will use propaganda to demarket him there

Then, if they cannot different between propaganda and reality then they are not hungry enough.

destinychildolu:
Bro reason deeply, how will Obi get votes from North East and North West? Those mallams and almajaris will rather votes for the corpse of Tinubu than Obi. What we need is Atiku and Obi joint ticket.

That the core north cannot vote for an Igbo man is a false impression that have been reinforced over the years.

If the north is serious about taking Tinubu out of power, they will tell their people to vote Obi. But if they are still fighting the civil war in their head, then let even Tinubu’s carcass continue to damage the country.

We will not be the worst off.

That’s how Tinubu will concede defeat to Peter Obi in 2027.

I can’t wait to see the tears of Agbado people.

But why did Malawians elect an 85 year old though?

fergie001:
Thank you for joining hands with Mr President to do the best for our nation.

Bia, have you switched sides?🙄🙄🙄

Are you BATified now?

Have you kissed the ring?🤔

fergie001:
Let us go contribute our widow's mite to help this nation.

Thank you.... Na our mama be this ooooo (dancing with Penguin2 jmoore and racoon)

Poto poto go just land your face and you go dey wonder where e from😏

I no follow you dey dance for anything wey concern Tinubu and his family o.

Body dey pepper me 😏

Themanleshey:
Maybe na you use cutlass and hoe take clear that place wey you see, just come online and type non sensi😏

If you even zoom one of the picture very well you go see the caterpillar wey you Dey find.

So I need to zoom to see the caterpillars of contractors that are working on a multi-trillion Naira project?

Where are the contractors? The ocean?

Cuz you can’t say contractor mobilized to site and no single caterpillar in sight.

All you need to do is pass through the East-West and Benin-Ore Expressways to understand why people like Peter Obi and every other reasonable Nigerian opposed the idea of the Lagos-Calabar Highway 🛣.

Because the reasonable thing would have been to fix our existing roads before embarking on a humongous new one in the magnitude of the Lagos-Calabar highway.

But we seem to have a lot of unthinking humans as our leaders and their supporters.

E go shock them say Fubara no go resume make dem do their worst.

galantjoe:
God bless Ned Nwoko
History will be kind to him
Posterity will always remember him as Anioma Nationalist

Ka Chukwu Okike, ndichie na ụmụada na umuokpu gbaa ume, mee ka evumnobi bia na mmezu

Not just an Anioma Nationalist but an Igbo Nationalist.

God bless him!

Belleful:
Bia, Reginald husband, agitate for what can benefit the people in ur remaining two years. The people of Ndokwa/ukwani LGA have being crying that they don't have light for good 16yrs. They have asked that the independent power plant been step down in Ndokwa land, yet no representative is saying anything about it. Wether being igbo or not, what we need is development.

And it doesn’t occur to you that if Anioma State is created, this thing you are complaining about, and many others, will easily be attended to since you will now have more resources concentrated to your locality?

Who told him there’s a creator that judges?

Who told him there’s life after death?

Can he prove that to us?

I can tell you that 90% of those judges don’t care about this bulcrap and will continue to sell judgment to the highest bidder.

Gerhards:
Those trying so hard to rewrite history are the unity beggars and everybody know who they are, watch them attack Ned in few minutes

Laptop boyz over to you 😁😁

That’s what is most funny about the entire thing.

All the attacks on Ned Nwoko’s push for Anioma has come from online non-entities.

No person of repute or substance has gone on National Television to challenge any of the things that Ned has been saying since the day he first introduced the Anioma State creation bill. None!

fergie001:
I don't think he is saying things people do not know already but we know been Governor of the State if created is his prime motive.

Not bad for a politician.

Well, he’s saying what a lot of people have been saying for a long time now but coming from him gives it more force of authority.

For years I’ve said similar things here on Nairaland but you see people trying to rewrite history either out of deliberately maliciousness or sheer ignorance. That’s why I love what Ned is doing.

And I don’t really care what his motives are, what I know is that his course is just.

OfoIgbo:
Anioma bu igbo.

Anybody that doesn't like this truism can go and hug a transformer

You are right.

The only people you see fighting against what Ned Nwoko is doing are people that are not even from Anioma. Revisionists who think they are more Catholics than the Pope i.e they know Anioma more than Anioma people themselves.

You see how all the initial resistance and issuing of statements have disappeared.

And whatever Ned is saying is also true of Ikwerre people in Rivers State. But for now, let’s focus on Anioma first.

”Meanwhile, those with poor knowledge of history are trying to make falsehood the dominant narrative…”

The above is Sen. Ned Nwoko reechoing what some of us have always said here but we were called ‘expansionists’ or ‘attachee by force’.

If anybody ever told me that the quest for Igbo unification will be spearheaded by an Anioma man, and not a mainland Igbo, I wouldn’t have believed it.

Right now, the two most important Igbo men alive are Peter Obi and Ned Nwoko.

ANIOMA: HISTORY, IDENTITY, EQUITY AND THE QUEST FOR STATEHOOD

The Anioma people spread across nine Local Government Areas are geographically nestled in Delta North senatorial district. We share a long history and rich cultural ties with the Igbos. So, we are Igbos in every sense: by language, tradition, blood and identity.

Yet, arbitrary distortions of colonial boundaries, tragedy of civil war and manipulations of post-war politics and narratives have exposed Anioma to double burden: the pain of denial and the weight of marginalisation. Albeit, our spirit is unbroken.

Today, as the representative of Anioma in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I affirm with courage the reawakening that: Anioma is Igbo; Anioma deserves justice; and Anioma state must be created. This is not a plea. Not a supplication, it is a demand inspired by truth, fairness and consciousness of true federalism.

ANIOMA BEFORE COLONIAL BOUNDARIES

Anioma has always been part of the great Igbo nation; and it is our cherished heritage and reality. Our communities in Oshimili, Aniocha, Ika and Ndokwa share ancestral trade and commerce, cultural, linguistic and geographic bonds with Igbo people across the Niger.

On trading characteristics, our market days are the same: Eke, Orie, Afo and Nkwo. Similarly, our cultural affinity is undeniably intertwined as our masquerades, from Mgba to Okanga, mirror those in Onitsha, Nsukka, Awka and Owerri.

Furthermore, linguistically, our names; Okonkwo, Nwafor, Nwanze, Odili and Nkemdilim among others are the same nomenclatures you find across the Igbo nation. Morphologically, words such as bia (come), nua (welcome) also show profound connections and linguistic leaning between Anioma dialects (i.e. the dialects of the people of Delta North Senatorial District) and Igbo language, proving beyond doubt that Anioma people are part of the greater Igbo ethnolinguistic family.

In addition, the people of Delta North have always been variously described as Midwest Igbo, Ika Igbo and Bendel Igbo. Even the government of Delta State, in its official ethnic classification, describes us as Igbo.

Today, we are often described as Delta Igbo, a description that reflects our location within Delta State but does not erase an incontrovertible truth that we are part of the Igbo group. So, our actuality is constant: Igbo is Igbo.

On geography, the map of Igbo land itself testifies to this reality. Asaba, Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Illah, Agbor, Kwale, Aboh, Ndoni and other Anioma communities appear firmly within the boundaries of Igbo nation. Geography confirms what history and culture already prove: Anioma is Igbo land.

However, the British colonial administration, driven by convenience rather than culture, commerce and not consanguinity, placed Anioma in the Western Region while our tribesmen remained in the East. This artificial separation, erected by imperialism, became the seed of distortion, one that would later be watered by war and politics.

ANIOMA IN THE THROES OF WARS

The Ekwumeku Colonial Resistance War (1883–1914)

Anioma’s history of resilience did not begin in modern times. Between 1883 and 1914, our people waged the Ekwumeku Resistance War, a guerrilla uprising against British colonialism that lasted over 31 years.

The Ekwumeku revolt staged by Anioma chiefs and able-bodied young men was a peculiar war, marvelous in strategy and awe inspiring in scope, From Ibusa to Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku to Ubulu-Uku, Anioma warriors resisted foreign domination with courage and unity. During this protracted conflict, many British soldiers and administrators were annihilated making Anioma one of the fiercest centres of anti-colonial resistance in West Africa.

The Ekwumeku War is evidence that Anioma has never surrendered its identity, no matter the force of oppression. That a group of people armed with local weapons could wage and sustain war for 31 long years, showed marked bravery and height of nobility. A historic movement that partly laid the pathway for decolonization and eventual independence of Nigeria.

Anioma in the Civil War and the Asaba Massacre

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) harmed Anioma forever. Our land was caught in the middle, a frontier of brutal contest between Biafran forces and the federal army; and Anioma paid a heavy price.

The darkest memory remains the Asaba Massacre of October, 7, 1967. When federal troops entered Asaba, the people, dressed in white and chanting “One Nigeria”, came out seeking peace. Instead, they were rounded up. Men and boys were separated from women. In cold blood, they were executed. Hundreds were killed. With far-reaching consequences, it was a bizarre occurrence, the deadliest and most atrocious manifestation of the Nigerian civil war.

Historians like Elizabeth Bird and Fraser Ottanelli have documented how this was not just mass murder but an attempt at ethnic cleansing to punish Anioma for being Igbo. Families were wiped out and entire lineages destroyed. A premeditated slaughter of innocent Anioma civilians and the trauma continues to echo in the hearts of our people.

Beyond Asaba, Anioma communities also suffered untold horrors. In Isheagu, Kwale and several Ndokwa towns and villages, federal troops carried out brutal reprisals. Homes were burned, women were assaulted, young men were executed and communities were left in ruins.

Towns like Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Issele-Uku, Ubulu-Uku and many others across Aniocha, Oshimili, Ika and Ndokwa bore the weight of this tragedy. Anioma bled not because of its geography, but because of its identity: Igbo.

The Question of Ika Igbos During the Civil War

Even during the war, the dilemma of Anioma was clearly acknowledged. A Biafran-era newspaper article, titled “What Happens To Ika Ibos?”, captured the precarious fate of Anioma’s future in the Mid-West. It asked a critical question: “Where do the Ika Ibos go now that the Biafra Republic has been proclaimed?”

The article warned that Anioma, like the Ewe in Togo and Ghana or the Luo in Kenya, risked being trapped in perpetual minority status, exploited and marginalised. It argued that Anioma’s natural destiny and protection lay in merger with the Republic of Biafra. This was a recognition, even in the heat of war, that Anioma’s destiny was tied to Igbo identity. This historical evidence underscores that Anioma’s struggle with identity is not an invention of modern politics, but a reality deeply rooted in history.

The Burden of Post-War Denial

When the war ended, Anioma entered a new struggle, the battle of survival within politics. To be accepted in the Mid-West and later Bendel State, many leaders muted or denied Anioma’s Igbo heritage. To say “We are not Igbo” became a shield against suspicion and exclusion.

However, this identity denial was occasioned by fear, a forced survival strategy; and narratives were created around this identity denial, which is not the truth; because in reality, the people of Delta North Senatorial District (Anioma) remained Igbo in their homes, marriages, dialects, festivals and spirit.

Meanwhile, those with poor knowledge of history are trying to make falsehood the dominant narrative, despite the overwhelming historical evidence from trade and commerce, culture, language, geography and civil war. So, the attempt to erase the Igbo identity of the people of Delta North (Anioma) is a silent form of ethnic cleansing; not just about humans, but of history and memory.

ANIOMA’S ENDURING TRUTH

No decree, no propaganda and no political calculation can change who we are. Anioma is Igbo. Anioma is Delta Igbo today, but more importantly, Anioma is part of the larger Igbo nation. As such, Anioma has always been Igbo. The evidence is in our bloodline, our tongue, our customs and our names. The proof is in our kinship ties, our history of migration and our shared culture. The truth has outlived war, overtaken propaganda and survived generations.

Today, our children must not inherit denial. They must inherit truth. They must grow up knowing they are Anioma Igbo, proud and unbroken.

EQUITY AND ANIOMA QUEST FOR STATEHOOD

The creation of Anioma State is not just a regional demand; it is both a historic correction and a political necessity. So, it is a matter of national justice. The South-East is the only zone with five states, while others have six or seven. This imbalance translates into fewer senators, fewer representatives, fewer local governments and less federal allocation. Anioma, as an Igbo homeland west of the Niger, is the natural candidate to correct this injustice. Therefore, the creation of Anioma state will fulfil Nigeria’s promise of equity and fairness.

Anioma State will not divide Nigeria; it will strengthen it. It will not isolate Anioma; it will integrate Delta North Senatorial District fully into the federation. It will reinforce its Igbo lineage and identity; and affirm it on Nigeria’s map.

Anioma State as a Development Imperative

Anioma is strategically placed. With Asaba as its capital, Anioma State will stand as a bridge between East and West, North and South.

Geographically, Anioma is centrally positioned, hosting Asaba, already the capital of Delta State and a gateway city with direct access to the Niger Bridge and the South-East. Also, economically, Anioma is rich in fertile land for agriculture, with immense potential in rice, cassava, palm produce and fisheries. Again, Anioma’s natural resources position it as one of Nigeria’s strongest energy bases as six out of the nine Local Government Areas in Anioma host huge oil and gas companies, particularly in Ndokwa, Ika and Oshimili zones. Ndokwa alone is home to some of Nigeria’s largest gas reserves, including the Okpai Power Plant, which supplies electricity to the national grid. Therefore, our economic contributions to Nigeria are tremendous and undeniable.

In addition, Anioma is a reservoir of human capital. Anioma people are highly educated, entrepreneurial and globally connected. From academia to business, politics and sports, media and entertainment, Anioma sons and daughters have distinguished themselves. While on culture & tourism, Anioma boasts of a rich cultural heritage, historic festivals and landmarks like the River Niger; making it a hub for cultural diplomacy and tourism.

All said, Anioma State creation will unlock these potentials, attract investment, create jobs and empower the next generation. This will not only honour the past but also secure the future.

Anioma’s Role in Nigeria’s Unity

Anioma has always been a bridge. We are Igbo by heritage but have lived as neighbours with Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, Edo and Yoruba. Anioma’s unique position makes our people natural peacemakers, connectors and unifiers. Therefore, the creation of Anioma State will strengthen inter-ethnic cooperation, not weaken it.

Also, creating Anioma State will honour our martyrs, heal our wounds, preserve our heritage and secure our children’s future. As such, Anioma State will be: a symbol of reconciliation; a final healing of the wounds of war; a recognition of Anioma’s sacrifices; and a step towards greater national balance. More profoundly it will consummate the vision and legacy of the legends who pioneered the movement for the creation of Anioma state beginning from 1954.

MY STAND

Anioma people are not to be erased or silenced; rather they are to be recognised, celebrated and established. Anioma people deserve a state; Anioma State is the future and the time is now.

As Senator representing Delta North, I state it clearly that: I support the creation of Anioma State; and it is not a privilege to be begged for, but a right long denied and justice long delayed.

Again, my quest for ANIOMA is not personal or political. The sustained marginalisation of Anioma people and struggle for self identity since the colonial times, rekindled my agitation for the creation of Anioma state.

It is a stoic desire for a new dawn of Anioma renaissance.

Please join me.

Distinguished Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko

https://x.com/prince_nednwoko/status/1967527045526938069?s=46&t=2AB_wrBea-oBYJf5ZCFV-A