Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, has stated that his support for the creation of Anioma State stems from a deep commitment to the welfare and progress of his constituents at the national level.
The senator made the declaration during the Anioma stakeholders summit at the weekend in Asaba.
The stakeholder summit drew participants from all nine local government areas in the senatorial district.
According to Nwoko, his commitment was to the advancement of the Anioma people. Nwoko denied speculations surrounding his alleged gubernatorial ambitions amidst his fervent advocacy for the creation of Anioma State.
He said the pioneer governor of Anioma State should come from the Ndokwa nation—a region that, despite its economic contributions through oil production, has long been marginalised.
“My goal is to secure freedom for my people. The first governor of Anioma state should come from Ndokwa land. Despite being home to three oil-producing local government areas, the Ndokwa region remains neglected, with its environment suffering from severe degradation,” Senator Nwoko stated.
He highlighted the benefits of state creation, drawing a parallel to the establishment of Delta state from the former Bendel State, pointing out that statehood can drive development, as evidenced by Asaba’s transformation from a small village to a thriving city once it became the capital of Delta state.
Senator Nwoko noted the political advantages of creating Anioma state, including increased representation in the Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly.
In his speech, Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Keagborekuzi I, backed Ned Nwoko on the state creation.
According to him: “So long as it’s not an illegitimate quest and not intended to disintegrate the country, the agitation for Anioma State is in order and needs to be encouraged by all and sundry.”
The monarch, who was a special guest at the summit, maintained that the agitation for the creation of Anioma State should not be politicised.
The chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Chief Dan Okenyi, said the summit was put together to bring all Anioma stakeholders on one platform to build consensus and forge a common front towards the realisation of an age-long aspiration.
He said the summit was expected to arrive at crucial resolutions that would invigorate the Anioma State creation bill before the Senate.
Anioma State: I’m not interested in being governor — Senator Ned Nwoko