Ekpa Loyalist Confronts Akpabio on Anioma State Proposal Amid Biafra Claims
Ngozi Orabueze, a staunch supporter of imprisoned separatist leader Simon Ekpa, has delivered a sharp warning to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Ned Nwoko concerning the planned establishment of Anioma State. This development follows Akpabio's recent endorsement of the state creation initiative during a political gathering in Delta State.
Akpabio's Endorsement at APC South-South Congress
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba, Delta State, Akpabio expressed strong support for the proposal to carve out Anioma State from the current Delta State. He emphasized that the new state would have Asaba as its capital, a move he described as transformative for regional development.
"Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital. The Senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko," Akpabio declared. "This step will usher in a new era of development and shared prosperity for all constituent communities. With Asaba as Anioma state capital, Warri will be the capital of the new Delta."
Orabueze's Biafra-Based Rebuttal
In a swift and forceful response, Orabueze, who identifies as the Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra, cautioned Akpabio and Nwoko against incorporating Anioma into Nigeria. She asserted that Anioma is an integral part of the Biafra Republic, a defunct entity her group seeks to revive.
Orabueze took to the social media platform X to articulate her position, stating, "The United States of Biafra People and Government hereby informs Nigeria agents Godswill Akpabio and Ned Nwoko that the State of Anioma, with capital in Asaba, is part of the 40 States of Biafra that were declared in Lahti, Finland on November 29th 2024."
She further warned, "Any attempt to include the state in the Nigeria state or terrorist APC party project will be resisted. The current Governor for the State is Hon Rev. John Izuegbu. Biafrans in the state of Anioma are hereby called upon to give all the support to Hon Izuegbu and resist the terrorist Nigeria Tinubu state, Ned Nwoko and Godswill Akpabio."
Implications and Broader Context
This confrontation highlights the ongoing tensions between Nigerian governmental initiatives and separatist movements advocating for Biafran independence. The creation of Anioma State, while aimed at administrative and developmental benefits, has now intersected with longstanding geopolitical disputes.
The involvement of high-profile political figures like Akpabio and Nwoko adds a layer of national significance to the issue, potentially influencing future legislative and security considerations. As debates over state creation and regional autonomy continue, such exchanges underscore the complex interplay between national unity and separatist aspirations in Nigeria's political landscape.
