ABUJA/Nigeria: Influential socio-political organization, Club Anio 50, has called for unity among the Anioma people in the face of renewed agitation for the creation of Anioma State, urging detractors to stop sowing discord or politicizing a cause rooted in decades of collective struggle.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Matthew Udeze Oweleke, and Secretary, Mr. Chidi Ubah, the group expressed “profound concern” over what it described as “disingenuous and unnecessary controversies” being pushed by individuals seeking political relevance at the expense of Anioma’s common interest.
Comprising notable professionals, traditional elites, and political figures from Delta North Senatorial District, Club Anio 50 reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the realization of Anioma State, a movement, it noted, predates the creation of the current Delta State and influenced the selection of Asaba as the state capital in 1991.
The group threw its full support behind Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, who is presently leading legislative efforts for Anioma State creation.
While acknowledging that some critics have accused Senator Nwoko of inadequate consultation and personal ambition, Club Anio 50 dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated, stressing that “the agitation for Anioma State is not the idea of one man but a collective dream nurtured through generations.”
According to the group, the process of state creation in Nigeria is a complex national affair that requires wide consultation, consensus-building, and strategic political engagement, a path Senator Nwoko has already taken through legislative advocacy and stakeholder mobilization.
Club Anio 50 condemned ongoing attempts to divide Anioma people along ethnic and geopolitical lines, particularly arguments denying Anioma’s Igbo roots or insisting that the proposed state should remain within the South-South geopolitical zone.
“We are embarrassed by those promoting the narrative that Anioma people are not Igbos. In a country searching for unity in diversity, we should not be seen promoting diversity in unity,” the statement read.
The organization maintained that Nigeria’s geopolitical zones are relatively recent administrative constructs and should not be used to restrict the legitimate aspirations of any ethnic group. It added that the creation of Anioma State aligns with Nigeria’s historical trajectory of using state creation to strengthen national unity, balance development, and correct political inequities.
Tracing the agitation’s roots to post-civil war efforts aimed at national integration, Club Anio 50 argued that Anioma State would represent both a historical correction and a forward-looking step toward equitable regional representation.
The group urged Anioma sons and daughters to rally behind the cause and reject internal sabotage or revisionism capable of weakening decades of advocacy.
“We must avoid destroying the foundation for the creation of Anioma State that we have spent decades constructing,” the statement warned.
Reaffirming its unifying mission, Club Anio 50 said it deliberately refrained from naming individuals or rival groups to prevent further polarization, adding that the current national debate on restructuring and state creation presents a rare and timely opportunity for Anioma to achieve its long-cherished aspiration.
“Anioma unity is non-negotiable. This is the time to close ranks and push forward together,” the statement concluded.
