The monarchs from the Northern part of Delta in continuation of the ongoing conversation in the push for the creation of Anioma State have called for a more inclusive dialogue and wider consultations with critical stakeholders in the geopolitical dynamics of the Nigerian State.
However, the royal fathers insisted that the unity, cohesion, and identity of the people of Anioma nation should not be compromised under whatever guise.
Rising from their quarterly meeting at Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area, the monarchs, under the aegis of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, appealed for calm among the political class and proponents of the Anioma State agenda contending that the input, views and opinions of all strata of Anioma community should be aggregated in the pursuit of the goals for the creation of Anioma State.
In a five-point Communiqué signed by its Chairman and Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11 and the Vice Chairman and Obi of Ubulu-Unor, Dr.Henry Kikachukwu 1, they underscored the importance of engagements across the board and unity of purpose noting that he people should unanimously agree to speak with one voice based on issues of common interest to the entire Anioma Nation as one indivisible entity with common identity and heritage.
The monarchs said “We should stop washing our dirty linings in the public. The Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly, and other elected representatives of the people, political class, and other critical stakeholders should work together and engage the people to know what they want rather than embark on what is perceived as personal aggrandizement.
“We plead with those currently agitating for the Anioma State project and the drivers of the initiative to maintain the status quo pending when a comprehensive dialogue and all-inclusive consultations have been concluded to give the initiative a clear direction. We will not accept a situation where the issue of the Anioma State creation and the zoning formula polarize the political class and other critical stakeholders. Such acrimony is capable of derailing the entire objective and depriving the zone of the much-desired social, economic, and political development. We urge the political class to work in synergy with the people for cohesion in their various engagements bothering on the welfare of their constituents.”
They challenged those representing the people at all levels of governance to immediately tackle insecurity which had bedeviled the entire Anioma area and negatively impacted rural communities within the district.
According to them, “We are alarmed at the devastating menace of insecurity in the land to the extent that our people no longer go to the farm for fear of either being killed or kidnapped while our women are being constantly rapped and abused by criminals who have taken thick forests and the bush as their place of abode. Are these issues not enough challenges for our politicians to address?
“The generality of the people in Delta North and the state are hungry and angry following widespread poverty. The people are looking up to the politicians to resolve the problem of food security and other economic woes to fulfill their electioneering campaigns but to no avail. The Senator representing Delta North in the Senate, Senator Ned Nwoko who attended the meeting took advantage of the forum to brief the Royal fathers of his activities in the senate and the vexed issue of the Anioma State agenda which has polarized the district and generated needless controversy over the configuration of proposed Anioma State.
The meeting was attended by about 25 Delta North Traditional Rulers among whom are; the Obi of Issele Uku, Ugo Ani of Okpanam, Obi of Mbiri, Obi of Umunede, Ukwata of Umukwata, Obi of Ukala Kingdom. Others who attended the meeting are; former Deputy Governor of Delta State Chief BSC Elue, Victor Nwokolo, Elekeokuri, and Chief Dan Okenyi among other critical stakeholders.
