By Fred Odu
KWALE/Nigeria:A former member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of the Technical Committee on the Agitation for the Creation of Anioma State, Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai, has assured that all necessary steps are being taken to actualize the long-anticipated statehood for Anioma people.
Speaking in an interview with Galant Reporters in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Ossai revealed that Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, remains resolute in driving the decades-old Anioma dream to a logical conclusion.
Ossai noted that the Technical Committee had recorded significant progress in gathering vital documents and historical records of both past and present agitations for Anioma State. These, he said, would play a key role in the forthcoming public hearing scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
He expressed hope that the relevant Senate Committee would grant a fair hearing, with the outcome expected to be presented at plenary for further legislative processes. According to him, once the Senate passes the Bill, it would proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to the President for assent.
Ossai disclosed that with 75 Senators already backing the Bill, and more expected to join, the push for Anioma State was gaining strong momentum. He added that plans were on track to secure the required two-thirds approval in the House of Representatives to ensure the Bill’s passage.
He highlighted that the Technical Committee comprises notable stakeholders, including traditional rulers, serving and former lawmakers from the region, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations, Anioma Professionals, Izu Anioma, Anioma Congress, Onu Ika, and Ndokwa Neku Union.
Ossai urged Anioma sons and daughters to fully mobilize for the public hearing, describing it as a defining moment in the quest for Anioma State.
Meanwhile, Senator Ned Nwoko on Sunday inaugurated the Technical Committee for Anioma State creation at Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba. Nwoko described the inauguration as a critical step in advancing the Bill he sponsored in the National Assembly.
The committee is chaired by His Royal Majesty, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, the Asagba of Asaba, with His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi, the Dein of Agbor, as Co-Chairman, and His Royal Majesty, Obuenwe Johnson Ekpech, the Ezemu of Emu, as Vice Chairman. The senator specially acknowledged the traditional rulers of Delta North, describing them as key pillars of the historic initiative.
“The work has begun, with unity, clarity, and determination,” Nwoko said.
ADDITIONAL REPORT BY DANIEL DAFE
