ASABA/Nigeria: As the clamour for the creation of Anioma State continues to gain national momentum, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, has called out members of the Delta State House of Assembly from Delta North for what he described as their “lukewarm attitude” toward the historic agitation.
Speaking to journalists after the recent Senate public hearing on state creation and constitutional amendments held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Eboh expressed disappointment at the lack of visible commitment by Delta North legislators to the Anioma cause, despite overwhelming support from their constituents.
Chief Eboh noted that the movement for Anioma State dates back to 1954 and has been championed by revered leaders such as Sir Dennis Osadebay, Nosike Ikpo, and the late Asagba of Asaba, among others. He said the silence and passivity of today’s state lawmakers dishonour the legacy of those pioneers.
“Our elected representatives in the Delta State House of Assembly, particularly those from Delta North, have failed to show the passion and seriousness this long-standing demand requires,” Eboh said. “The people they represent are vocal, united, and resolute in their demand for Anioma State, yet their lawmakers appear indifferent.”
Eboh, a respected voice within the APC fold in Delta, said the bill for Anioma State creation sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko has reignited national interest and offers a unique opportunity for unity and development, which should not be sabotaged by internal political hesitation.
He also criticised some local government chairmen from Delta North who, he alleged, had attempted to backtrack on their earlier endorsement of the statehood proposal. According to Eboh, their recent denials appear to be politically motivated and inconsistent with publicly available evidence.
“Democracy is not about the personal interest of a few,” he stated. “It is about the will of the majority. And the majority of Anioma people want this state. There should be no hide and seek. Everyone must align with the popular aspiration.”
Chief Eboh urged the lawmakers to rise above partisanship and personal considerations, saying, “We need a radical change in attitude among our representatives. This is a collective struggle. It is not about party or position. It is about identity, equity, and justice for the Anioma people.”
