‘Anioma State ln South East Sacrosanct, Will Stop Political Lopsidedness’

Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba, (Rtd), has posited that any argument or move on the contrary to Anioma state creation would inevitably unbalance the system, sustain the existing political lopsidedness and stall all efforts at equity and fairness.

In an opinion article, which may not be unconnected to the handful of opposition to Anioma state creation and its merging with the South East, Aduba said the Anioma inclusion as part of South−east is sacrosanct, politically fair, judgmentally certified and culturally inclusive.

While saying the push for Anioma state was rooted in the desire of communities east of the River Niger to secure a political identity reflecting their historical and ethnic ties, Aduba, quoting Dein of Agbor while addressing youths, “We are not Igbo’s, we are Agbor, we speak Agbor.

Do you want to give up a Kingdom that has existed for 2,000 years to legend entity created 40 years ago that has no history? Which one do you prefer?” disagreed with the monarch.

He maintained that the naked news from the Revered Palace of Dein of Agbor is not only unfortunate but scandalous. “our revered Traditional Ruler pitched tent with the Colonial Masters/European writers who castigated Ndi Igbo in the past because they could not penetrate the Hinter Land for obvious reasons and later reversed themselves”.

The former police commissioner specifically faulted comments attributed to the Dein of Agbor questioning the Igbo identity of Agbor people, saying historical and anthropological records suggest stronger ethnic connections across communities in present-day Delta state than often acknowledged.

While criticizing the very insignificant number of Anioma sons who blatantly ventilate their opposition to the idea of including Anioma state as part of South−east region, he said they did so out of share ignorance of the trado−cultural forces behind the push for Anioma to occupy its rightful place within the Igbo heartland.

“This handful of opposition appear to be blindfolded by the immediate personal economic and political gains which they fear to lose should they take a contrary position. They should, therefore, be accordingly advised that, he, who swims against the tide, does so at his peril.

“This group, again to my mind, belongs to the newer generation of Anioma, who perhaps, lack the dept of history which holds the nostalgia that drives the quest for Anioma as part of the Igbo nation. Anioma state creation is an idea whose time has come.

“Many supporters see the proposal as part of broader efforts to address perceived imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.To be a willing tool in the hands of enemies against one of yours is a monumental disservice to the blood line, culture and tradition.”

Aduba stated the addition of a newly created Anioma in the South−east geopolitical zone of five states namely; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo is a dream which was hoped to bring South−east at par with other regions of the federation, referencing academic studies and archaeological discoveries, including the famous Igbo-Ukwu excavations, as evidence of the deep historical roots and civilisation of the Igbo people.

“This arrogant opposition and shallow-minded resistance against the inclusion of Anioma state as part of South−east demonstrates a clear and baseless hatred for the Igbo and signposts an unmitigated disobedience to the Anioma ancestral dream for a united and strong Igbo nation within the framework of Nigeria.”

According to him, renewed discussions at the National Assembly have revived hopes among proponents who believe that Anioma state, if created, should align with the South-East zone

“It has been noted that ‘No force can clip the wings of an idea whose time has come.’ The idea of Anioma State, has again, after many years of ominous silence, been brought to life again, not just as a romantic expectation of the champions, or community pet talk at moon light, but one that has become a national concern”, he wrote.

He further called for unity among Igbo-speaking communities, stressing that collaboration and common purpose were necessary for greater political relevance and national development.