Asagba-in-Council, the apex traditional authority of Asaba, the Delta State capital has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to accede to the decades-long aspiration of Anioma people for the creation of Anioma State.
In a letter co-signed by the Regent, Prof. Anthony Onuora Edozien MD (Ochendo Asagba) and the Secretary of Asaba Palace, Chief Patrick N. C. Ndili, the Asagba-in-Council wrote:
“Our distinguished Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State (our Anioma) is in the vanguard for the creation of Anioma State. He has presented a bill on the floor of the Senate for the creation of Anioma State.
“For decades, way before Delta State was created, Anioma people with one voice have agitated and continue to agitate for the creation of Anioma State.
“We believe and align with Senator Prince Ned Nwoko, that the creation of Anioma State will permanently address the imbalance of the number of states in the South East as it is composed today and assuage the insecurity in the region. We fully identify with the resolve of Mr. President to restore peace and security in the South East.
“We respectfully invite Mr. President to take cognizance of our cultural, traditional and linguistic affinity with the people of the South East. Our boundaries are well documented. Anioma State will be very viable as it has abundant human and natural resources.
It is against this backdrop that we fully support the creation of Anioma State and totally support Senator Prince Ned Nwoko on the long drawn out quest for Anioma State.
“The people of Ahaba (Asaba) send their warm greetings and commend your wisdom in piloting the affairs of state”, the statement stressed, and copied to the Senate President, Goodwill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass and all representatives of Delta North North in the National Assembly
In another letter to the forum of traditional rulers under the leadership of HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa, the Asagba-in-Council urged the Anioma monarchs to rally support of their respective community behind the Senator Prince Ned Nwoko for the actualisation of Anioma State.
While emphasising the expediency of current opportunity for creation of the long sought Anioma State, the Ochendo Asagba appealed to the forum of Anioma traditional rulers to likewise formally write on behalf of their respective communities to the relevant federal authorities in support of the creation of Anioma State.