Group faults Joel-Onowakpo on Anioma State creation ~ Truth Reporters

 

The Niger Delta Development Syndicate (NDDS) have disagreed with Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo on his support for the creation of Anioma State in the South East region. 

NDDS Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ralph Obinne Agbanashi in a statement on Thursday said the group was in support of the creation of Anioma State but would prefer it to be created in the South-South region of the country where the proposed state originally belongs. 

Agbanashi who represented Delta North in The Nigerian Youth Parliament (NYP-3rd Assembly) and Former National President of Delta State Students ( NADESSTU) said the people of Anioma had no cultural correlation with the South-East as people of Anioma were from different cultures of origin.  

See statement below: **Statement on the Creation of Anioma State** 

I appreciate the sentiments expressed by Senator Joel Onowakpo regarding the creation of Anioma State and the ongoing discussions surrounding it. While I support the notion of establishing Anioma State, I must clarify that it should not be sited within the South-East geopolitical zone. 

The people of the South-East are actively advocating for the creation of Adada State, and it is crucial that we respect their aspirations. The establishment of Adada State will address the historical injustices faced by the South-East, bringing their representation to six states, similar to other geopolitical zones in Nigeria. This is an essential step toward achieving equity and fairness in our national structure. 

However, we must also recognize the diversity within Delta North, which encompasses various ethnic groups, including the Ndokwa, Isoko, Urhobo, Ijaw, and others, whose historical roots trace back to the ancient Benin Kingdom. Anioma is not solely comprised of Igbo-speaking communities, such as Onitcha-Ugbo; it is home to a rich tapestry of ethnicities. The Delta Anioma people are Deltans, reflecting the cultural and traditional heritage of all ethnic groups in Delta State. We are not merely defined by Igbo identity; our culture and traditions are distinctly Deltan and must not be separated from our brothers and sisters across the region. Our dressing, food, and cultural practices are deeply rooted in our Delta identity. For instance, I proudly declare starch and banga soup as my favorite meal, a dish I first tasted from my Ukwuani mother, embodying the essence of our culinary heritage. The Emede people are not more Deltan than the Anioma people; we know our roots, and I urge Senators Joel and Ned to refrain from playing unnecessary politics with us. 

It is essential to find a solution that honors the unique identities and aspirations of all these communities. We can pursue the creation of Anioma State while ensuring that it does not undermine the genuine agenda of our neighbors in the South-East who are seeking the establishment of Adada State. 

Let us work collaboratively to achieve our goals of youth and economic empowerment for our people without jeopardizing the aspirations of others. It is vital that we engage in broader consultations to ensure that any decision reflects the collective will of the people in the region and fosters unity among the various ethnic nationalities. 

In conclusion, I urge all stakeholders to approach this matter with sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that we do not hinder each other's progress. 

Thank you. 

Comrade Ralph, Obinne Agbanashi  

Publicity Secretary, Niger Delta Development Syndicate  ;

Member Representing Delta North in The Nigerian Youth Parliament  (NYP-3rd Assembly)  

Former National President of Delta State Students ( NADESSTU).