Ndokwa Elders Reject Anioma State Proposal, Demand Respect for South-South Identity
ASHAKA/Nigeria: In a strongly worded statement dated November 28, 2024, the Ukwuani Leaders and Ndokwa Elders Forum (ULNEF) vowed to resist any attempts to include the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the proposed Anioma State within the South-East geopolitical zone.
The statement, signed by Chief (Dr.) Dele Omenogor and Francis Otunuya Idigbe, Chairman and Secretary of the Forum respectively, reaffirmed the constituency’s allegiance to the South-South region of Nigeria.
At a recent meeting held in Ashaka, Ndokwa East, leaders from the three local government areas of the constituency, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani unanimously restated their opposition to the creation of Anioma State in the South-East, as proposed in a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District.
The Forum reiterated that any new state involving their constituency must be situated within the South-South geopolitical zone.
“We stand strongly on the declaration of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), led by General Mike Ndubuishi (Rtd). Our nation will never be part of any state in the South-East but will happily align with any state in the South-South geopolitical zone,” the statement read.
The elders expressed concern over the perceived lack of consultation by Senator Nwoko, stating that his actions appear to conflict with the collective aspirations of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani people. They emphasized that any attempt to associate Ndokwa/Ukwuani with the South-East without proper engagement and consensus would face strong opposition.
The Forum also emphasized the distinct cultural and economic identity of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani people, noting their significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil wealth. “We are a people with a rich culture, tradition, and norms that cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political manoeuvring,” the elders declared.
Calling on the leadership of the National Assembly, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, ULNEF urged them to disregard any bill that seeks to align the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency with the South-East. They further demanded that Senator Nwoko withdraw his proposal immediately.
The Forum called on the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies to intervene and prevent any actions that could incite unrest in Delta North. “No individual or group has the right to coerce or subvert the will of the Ndokwa people. We shall resist any attempt to violate our collective rights using all legitimate means,” the elders stated.
Highlighting past insults directed at their leaders, including Professor Steve Agwor Okecha, the elders condemned what they described as a smear campaign by Senator Nwoko’s aides. “No amount of subterfuge or intimidation will force the Ndokwa/Ukwuani people to align with Nwoko’s Anioma State proposal,” they affirmed.
The statement concluded with a call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard any bill that seeks to annex the Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency into a South-East-based Anioma State, reaffirming their unshakable position as part of the South-South geopolitical zone.
