Introduction
Politics is an integral part of every society. It naturally breeds conflict, yet within every conflict there is equal or greater benefits. These benefits, however, can only be realized through constructive engagement by seeking solutions rather than fault, and by avoiding blame game.
The recent achievements by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review in Ikot Ekpene and Enugu are commendable. The submissions by various Anioma groups advocating for the creation of Anioma State were well argued, transparent, and inclusive. There was an ample opportunity for dissenting voices to be heard during the Public Hearings.
However, the Odu Oma Club is concerned about the divisive narratives emerging in the media, particularly regarding Anioma’s geo-political alignment. At this critical juncture, historical debates over ethnic origins should not overshadow the central goal of the realization of Anioma State. This cause should unify, not divide all men and women of goodwill.
The negative stance adopted by some Anioma indigenes indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of political autonomy and self-determination. The on-going debate over South-South vs. South-East affiliation is largely inconsequential. Geo-political zones have no bearing on state governance. The Bill for Anioma State Creation, which seeks to correct the geo-political imbalance in the South-East, has successfully passed the Public Hearing stage. The Third Reading and Plebiscite stages, demand focus on education and mobilization of Anioma citizens to embrace freedom and reject political servitude.
The Origin of Anioma
The three major Igbo-speaking groups in the west of the River Niger namely Enuani, Ika, and Ndokwa have a long history of unity of purpose. Their efforts during the Ekumeku War (1883–1914) significantly challenged British colonial rule. As a result of colonial strategies, the area was fragmented: Enuani, Ika and Ndokwa were delineated to Benin and Delta Province respectively.
In 1947, when Nigeria was divided into three regions—Eastern, Western, and Northern, the western Igbo areas were controversially placed in the Western Region. This exclusion sparked protest from prominent Traditional Rulers, namely the Obis of Aboh, Agbor, and Idumuje Ugboko. Though unsuccessful in reversing the decision, this resistance established historical ties with Eastern Igbos. The argument that River Niger was the natural boundary of Eastern and Western Regions is inexplicable. The same River Niger in the North never constituted the boundary of the Northern and Western Region. River Benue also was not the boundary of the Eastern and the Northern Region. The use of River Niger as the boundary of Eastern and Western Regions by the colonial masters was aimed at weakening the sterling power of Igbo nation.
The knitted relationship among Igbos in both sides of River Niger manifested in the collaborative efforts of the Ibo Union and the NCNC Political Party in the creation of Mid Western Region in 1963. Secondly, during the Nigerian Civil War, Anioma sons and daughters participated actively on the side of Biafra. Thirdly, the genocide experienced in Asaba, mass killings witnessed at Isheagu, Ibusa residents’ displacement, to mention but a few were as a result of being an integral part of Igbo nation.
It should be noted that State creation efforts during the war, reclassified the Mid-Western Region to Bendel State. In 1976, the Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa, and Oshimili Local Government Areas (LGAs) were established. At that time, the people were identified as Western Ibo, Mid-West Ibo or Ika Ibo without controversy. When the Eastern Igbos attended States status (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo), their identities aligned with their State names. The western Igbos, lacking statehood, retained the broader “Ibo” label. Seeking a unifying identity, Political leaders led by Chief Osadebe used Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, Oshimili acronym “ANIO” adding “MA” to coin ANIOMA which means “Good Land” in Igbo language.
Though politically inspired, the term “Anioma” became widely accepted. It was formally adopted during the 1980s State Creation Campaigns. Despite the interruption caused by the 1983 military coup, the quest for identity continued. On December 13, 1989, the Declaration of Anioma Identity was formally presented to the then Bendel State Military Administrator, Col Tunde Ogbeha by Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought led by HRM Obi Efeizoma II. This historic Declaration was organized by the Odu Oma Club Nig under the leadership of HRM, Obi Prof L.C. Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibusa and Late Prof A. C. Unomah, the Okilolo of Igbodo. The 5 points Declaration reads thus:
“We hereby resolved as follows:
That the people of the four Local Government Areas of Aniocha, Ika, Ndokwa and Oshimili shall henceforth be known and referred to as ANIOMA;
That our version of the Ibo language shall also be called ANIOMA,
That the adoption of the name ANIOMA has nothing to do with the historic agitation for Anioma State as other culture areas of Bendel State do not necessarily have States of their own,
That the previous documents pertaining to ANIOMA is also without prejudice to the distinct identities of clans and towns in the area,
That the previous documents pertaining to ANIOMA remain valid”.
This declaration affirmed the Anioma people’s Igbo identity and was universally embraced across the nation. Anioma therefore is our tribe, language, culture, way of life and “State”.
South-South vs. South-East: A Misplaced Debate
Throughout the Anioma State agitation, the issue of regional affiliation has never been central. While Delta State is geographically within the South-South, no state in Nigeria controls another. Moreover, Geo-political zones are not constitutional entities, each state remains autonomous.
Anioma State, when created, will become the sixth state in the South-East, correcting a long-standing imbalance. The movement to align with the South-East dates back to 1949. Cultural and political associations played key roles in maintaining ties with Eastern Igbos. Anioma sons and daughters were active in the Ibo Union and the NCNC. Anioma’s inclusion in Ohaneze Ndigbo, the umbrella body of Igbo nation confirms this historical and cultural bond. The organization’s structure includes seven states, with Anioma recognized as one of the States. (Article 7 of Ohaneze Ndigbo Constitution). It could be recalled that Late Col Achuzia and Late Amb. Raph Uwechue was elected into the offices of Secretary and President General respectively in Ohaneze Ndigbo.
In 2006, the National Assembly recommended a sixth state for the South-East. Ohaneze Ndigbo formed a Committee led by Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu to advance the process. A formal memorandum was submitted by Anioma Traditional Rulers and Leaders of Thought under HRM Obi Prof. J.C. Edozien. This was aimed at appealing to Ohanaeze Ndigbo to recommend Anioma as its choice State to the National Assembly to formalize Anioma State Status in the organization. Unfortunately, the effort was derailed by the Third Term controversy under President Obasanjo.
Obnoxious Politics: A Threat to Anioma Unity
The Anioma State Movement predates many of today’s actors. Over the years, Traditional Rulers, Political Groups and Cultural Organizations contributed without partisanship. Their unity of purpose transcended Political Party loyalty or personal gain. It should be emphasized that Political Representatives should be agents of positive change. They should exude the ability to identify, prioritize, and timely provision of peoples’ needs. These are qualities exemplified by Senator Prince Ned Nwoko in his advocacy for Anioma State.
However, recent political developments following the successful Public Hearings in Ikot Ekpene and Enugu are unbecoming. The Press releases by Ndokwa Neku in respect of aligning with South-East geopolitical zone and the Forum of nine Local Government Areas Chairmen alleging forged documents only serve to undermine progress. These acts echo divisiveness and are unpatriotic. Anioma’s interest MUST come first. The state is large enough to accommodate all. Those opposing South-East inclusion should reconsider their stands, given the deep linguistic, cultural, and familial ties with the broader Igbo nation.
Conclusion
Politics is merely a means to achieve governance, and while it breeds conflict, such conflict should be channeled productively. The process for creating Anioma State is well advanced. It deserves unwavering support.
The Anioma State Creation Bill has passed the Public Hearing stage. All stakeholders must collaborate with Senator Ned Nwoko, the current champion of this cause. State creation will usher in new political and economic opportunities: 3 Senators, 9 Federal Representatives, about 20 State Assembly members and Local Government Council Chairmen each, etc.
Anioma stands at a crossroad. The choice is between achieving statehood and looping in the dark over Delta North Senatorial District Party Structure – “State Capture and Dog eat Dog” mentality. It should be unequivocally stated that God has given us the freedom of choice but not freedom from the consequences of our choice. Let us therefore choose Anioma State and reject politics of bitterness and sabotage.
Patrick Ogbogu Okenyi
Eze Odu Oha (President General, Odu Oma Club) 08063430416
Uche Emma Aboh
Okwelegwe Oha (Secretary General, Odu Oma Club) 08038370773
