By Fred Odu
Additional report by Daniel Dafe
Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, a former member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of the Technical Committee on the Agitation for the Creation of Anioma State, has affirmed that strategic efforts are underway to realize the long-anticipated statehood.
Speaking during an interview in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Ossai revealed that Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, has committed to driving the Anioma cause—an aspiration rooted in decades of advocacy—toward a successful conclusion.
He stated that the Technical Committee had made substantial progress in compiling critical documents and historical records supporting the creation of Anioma State. These materials will form the basis for the upcoming public hearing scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Ossai, who previously represented the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, expressed optimism that the Senate Committee in charge would conduct a fair hearing. He emphasized the importance of the hearing’s outcome being presented to the Senate plenary for further legislative consideration.
He explained that once the Senate passes the Bill, it would proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to the President for assent.
According to Ossai, the Bill already enjoys the support of 75 Senators, with expectations of more endorsements, positioning it strongly for passage. He also noted ongoing efforts to secure the required two-thirds approval in the House of Representatives.
He highlighted that the Technical Committee comprises prominent traditional rulers, current and former lawmakers from the region, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Civil Society Organizations, Anioma Professionals, Izu Anioma, Anioma Congress, Onu Ika, and Ndokwa Neku Union, among others.
Hon. Ossai called on all sons and daughters of Anioma to actively mobilize for the upcoming public hearing, describing it as a potential watershed moment in the journey toward Anioma State creation.
In a related development, Senator Ned Nwoko on Sunday formally inaugurated the Technical Committee at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba. According to the Senator, the inauguration marks a pivotal step in advancing the Anioma State Creation Bill, which he earlier presented before the National Assembly.
The Committee is chaired by His Royal Majesty, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba, with His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi, the Dein of Agbor, serving as Co-Chairman. His Royal Majesty, Obuenwe Johnson Ekpech, the Ezemu of Emu, was named Vice Chairman.
Senator Nwoko also acknowledged the role of all traditional rulers across Delta North, recognizing them as essential members of the committee due to their heritage and leadership responsibilities.
“The work has begun—with unity, clarity, and determination,” he stated.
