IKOT-EKPENE/Nigeria: The Isoko communities in Ndokwa East LGA have expressed their desire to remain in Delta State should Anioma state be created.
This was the position paper presented before the senate committee South South public sitting in Akwa Ibom recently.
The communities argued that based on their close cultural affinity with their kit and kin in the two Isoko LGAs, it would not be fair to join them with the Igbo speaking people of Delta State.
The paper was presented by Chief Charles Ighogbefa on behalf of Isoko communities in Ndokwa East.
The position paper was signed on behalf of the communities by HRM (Barrister) Augustine Ena Oghenejabor Emenugo I, the Odiologbo of Ibrede kingdom, Dr Isaac Erube Uvo ,the Ozu of Igbuku Kingdom, Comrade Erue Lucky Oghenemaro ,PG Igbuku Kingdom, Comrade Ororo 0 Andrew PG ,Egwedhe, Comrade Ogagavili Akakra, PG Lagos Iyede, Comrade Andrew Umuakpor ,PG Afiankwon and Barrister Peter Ogba ,PG Iyiowu.
The communities hinged their position on section 14(4) on the 1999 constitution as amended.
It reads thus :’that government affairs be conducted in a manner …As to recognize the diversity of the people within its area of authority and the need to promote a sense of belonging and loyalty among all the people of the Federation.’
The communities maintained that historical records showed that ‘with the creation of the Sobo division with headquarters in Ughelli in the 1920s, Isoko communities were mandated to pay their taxes to the Ughelli Treasury. The Isoko communities in the present day Ndokwa East LGA of Delta State had to travel through tough terrain to get to Ughelli.’
The communities narrated that for administrative convenience, the colonial Assistant Divisional Officer moved the Isoko communities along the Ase Creek axis of the River Niger to the Aboh division with headquarters at Obetim, Kwale.
The position paper explained why the Isoko communities are in Ndokwa East today and appealed to the senate to correct the colonial mistake.
The communities further explained that this historical fact is contained in an intelligence report of the colonial administration of 1932 by the Governor of the Southern Province.
While acknowledging the noble efforts of Senator Ned Nwoko and others to get another state from Delta, the communities want to join their brothers and sisters in Isoko North and Isoko South LGAs based on shared linguistic, cultural and historical bonds.
