Peppermaster:
ANIOMA STATE: A MISGUIDED PROPOSAL WITH DANGEROUS IMPLICATIONS.
By Charles Chukwuedo Snr, Esq.
The ongoing advocacy for the creation of Anioma State, spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko, the distinguished Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, is an initiative that I cannot, in good conscience, support, particularly if the ultimate objective is to align the proposed state with the South East geopolitical zone. While I am an ardent believer in fairness and equity in Nigeria’s political configuration, and I strongly support the South East having an additional state to bring it on par with other geopolitical zones, the idea that Anioma should be carved into the South East is deeply troubling and fundamentally flawed.
At the heart of my concern is not just the issue of state creation itself, although I remain sceptical that the mere multiplication of states is a panacea for development, but the broader implications of where and how such a state is positioned. Since its inception, Delta State has received substantial allocations and has access to vast resources that, if properly harnessed, should have propelled the state to an enviable level of development. The notion that the mere creation of another state will magically solve governance inefficiencies is misguided. The real issue has always been prudent leadership, strategic economic planning, and effective management of resources, not an arbitrary redrawing of boundaries.
Even if we were to momentarily assume, without conceding, that the creation of new states could provide developmental benefits, there remains a far more pressing question: Why would anyone push for Anioma to be absorbed into a geopolitical zone currently grappling with severe security challenges? This, to me, is the most perplexing and distressing aspect of the entire conversation.
The South East, our historical and cultural brethren, is currently facing an alarming level of insecurity that has disrupted economic activities, displaced families, and left communities in distress. It is no secret that many of our Igbo brothers and sisters are relocating to Anioma land precisely because they seek safety and stability, circumstances that have sadly become elusive in certain parts of the South East. You cannot blame them; security is paramount in any jurisdiction. Given this reality, what rational justification exists for pushing a newly created state into a geopolitical region currently mired in such turmoil?
It is also worth pointing out that the rightful approach to addressing the South East’s long-standing demand for an additional state is for its own political leaders and stakeholders to champion the cause. The South East geopolitical zone has every right to lobby for the creation of a sixth state, this is a legitimate and justifiable demand that should be pursued. However, what is baffling is the reverse scenario where individuals outside the South East, including some from Delta North, are at the forefront of this push. If the South East needs an additional state, let its own political leaders and stakeholders take up that cause directly and make a compelling case, rather than seeking to rope Anioma into a geopolitical reclassification that may not serve its best interests.
Beyond the political and security concerns, another crucial dimension to this issue is the deep historical and cultural ties that Anioma people share with their neighbours in Delta State. Anioma is not an isolated ethnic entity; we have a long-standing relationship with our Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and other Delta State brothers and sisters. We all coexisted under the old Bendel State before the creation of Delta State, and over the decades, we have built strong social, economic, and political bonds. This proposed move threatens to sever these ties permanently.
Is this political divorce truly worth it? What do we stand to gain by turning our backs on those with whom we have shared history, governance, and mutual cooperation? Would Anioma people be better off abandoning the South-South geopolitical bloc, where we have a strategic presence, to align with a South East region facing uncertainty? These are fundamental questions that must be answered with careful thought, not sentiment.
I have expressed my reservations about this issue before, and I will not stop speaking against it. History will bear witness to the fact that some of us did not remain silent while this agenda was being aggressively promoted. We will continue to do what we can to stop this move because we see the dangers ahead, and it would be a dereliction of duty to ignore them.
What I find particularly striking is the conspicuous silence of many voices that ought to engage in this discourse. While I acknowledge that not everyone may share my position, I also recognise that some may be hesitant to speak, not necessarily because they support the move, but perhaps out of deference to the personality of the individual driving this agenda. Senator Ned Nwoko, without question, is a man of considerable influence, and his commitment to projects he believes in is undeniable. I respect him, and I consider him a friend. However, friendship must never stand in the way of truth, nor should personal affiliations deter people from taking a stand on matters of critical importance.
My position is not driven by personal animosity, political rivalry, or any ulterior motive. Rather, it stems from a sincere concern for the well-being and future of Anioma people. This is not just a debate about state creation; it is about security, strategic alignment, and the long-term interests of our people. Political decisions of this magnitude cannot be based on sentiment or historical ties alone, they must be guided by logic, pragmatism, and a clear understanding of the consequences.
Anioma people must ask themselves some fundamental questions. Are we truly prepared to trade our relative stability for an uncertain future? Have we thoroughly examined the long-term political and economic ramifications of being reclassified into a different geopolitical bloc? Do we understand what this means in terms of representation, allocation of resources, and administrative control? What assurances do we have that this shift will serve our best interests in the long run? These are serious questions that cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, we must not lose sight of the fact that geopolitical alignments carry significant implications beyond mere identity. They determine political representation, federal allocations, and access to developmental projects. Currently, Anioma enjoys a unique advantage as part of Delta State within the South-South geopolitical zone, a region with substantial economic and political influence in national affairs. By shifting to the South East, Anioma would be entering an entirely different political calculus, one that may not necessarily work in its favour.
I want to be absolutely clear: I do not support the ongoing lobbying for Anioma State if it means zoning the state to the South East geopolitical region. I believe in the unity of Anioma people, I believe in their right to demand development, but I do not believe that this is the right approach. There are better ways to achieve economic growth, infrastructural development, and political relevance without making a move that, in my view, exposes us to unnecessary risks.
Those of us who see these dangers have a duty to speak out, to resist any attempt to railroad Anioma into a geopolitical classification that does not serve its best interests, and to ensure that our future is determined by careful, informed decision-making.
History will judge us all. Let us ensure that we are on the right side of it.
By Charles Chukwuedo Snr, Esq. ©.
9/3/2025
Charleschukwuedo@gmail.com Cheap and useless talk |
I have a pressing issue on my neck right now.
1.) I paid and registered for B1/B2 Visa in 2022.
2.) I filled my normal details initially
3.) Along the line my cousin sister a citizen now volunteered to offer my an IV and that I should also use her dad who is presently sick in the USA as an excuse to visit.
4.) I agreed, with her directives I reacquired a new NPC birth certificate to show her dad's name, and also did the same on my marriage certificate.
5.) My interview is just on the 22nd (4 days)
6.) Few weeks ago i edited my DS 106 form and changed my dad name to her name dad's name, plus other things changed.
7.) For record purposes I originally used her details as a USA citizen to fill my contact and host person.
8.) Our plan is that I will be coming with her IV on the basis of her forthcoming birthday and another doctor's report recommending I visit so as to pay our dad (her dad) a visit.
9.) Meanwhile, I have done all necessary printing; bank statements, leave approved, employment letter, salary slip, birthday program card etc
10.) Now the problem is this: she is finding fault in most of the things I printed and from my observations, she is not wanting to send me the promised invitation letter and doctor's report as planned.
NOW WHAT DO I DO? |
Politics › Re: Why Governor Sim Fubara Cannot Be Impeached by writetopoka: 5:08am On Mar 14, 2025
