The campaign for the establishment of Anioma State gained fresh traction this week as a prominent socio-cultural leader made a direct appeal to the nation's highest political offices.
Appeal to Tinubu and Southeast Legislators
On Wednesday, Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada, the Patron of the Ndi Na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organization (NNABSCO), publicly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all federal lawmakers representing the Southeast geopolitical zone to lend their full support to the proposed legislation. Agada issued this call in Asaba, Delta State, following a major solidarity rally.
The rally saw a coalition of Anioma people from the nine local government areas of the Delta North Senatorial District come together to voice their unified demand for the new state. A key part of their proposal is that the envisioned Anioma State should be zoned to the Southeast.
A Cultural and Political Reclamation Project
Addressing the press, Chief Agada, who hails from the Southeast himself, framed the initiative as more than just a political boundary adjustment. He described it as a crucial project to reclaim what he termed "lost Igbo territories." This statement highlights the long-standing position of Anioma advocates who argue that the Igbo-speaking communities in Delta North have been politically separated from their cultural kin in the Southeast, despite sharing deep historical and ethnic ties.
While acknowledging that the journey has faced some disappointments, Agada remained optimistic. "Inasmuch as there are some disappointments here and there, on the average, the process is still on course," he stated. He also pointed to the endorsement from Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, as a significant boost for the campaign.
Bill at Critical Caucus Stage in National Assembly
Agada revealed that the Anioma State bill is currently at the caucus level within the National Assembly. At this stage, internal discussions and the voting strength of lawmakers are critical in determining which of the many state-creation proposals will advance. He stressed that Southeast legislators now hold considerable sway.
"We are appealing to the South-East legislators because at the moment, the bill is at the caucus stage where considerations and votes of the lawmakers matter a lot," Agada explained. He noted that while state governors could influence the process later during the concurrence stage, the immediate responsibility lies with the federal lawmakers. "For now, it is in the hands of the Southeast legislators to see to the success of this great bill," he concluded.
In his final plea, Agada urged the Southeast representatives to prioritize collective ethnic interest over partisan or personal gains to help bring back their "people who are marooned to other zones."
