Traditional rulers from Delta North Senatorial District on Friday attended the public hearing organised by the National Assembly Constitution Review Committee in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
Their attendance, seen as daring to the position of the state government and the State Assembly, which have remained mute over the Anioma State creation, may draw a battleline between the traditional rulers and the powers that be in the state.
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Hon Ned Nwoko, had revealed that Delta State governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, told him that he would not support the creation of Anioma State.
The rejection of the Anioma State creation may have informed why the deputy governor, all the Delta North lawmakers at the State Assembly, some members of House of Representatives and government-elected and appointed officials shunned the public hearing.
The Obi of Obulu-Uno and vice chairman of the Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, His Royal Majesty, Obi Henry Afamefuna Kikachukwu, at the weekend made a renewed and passionate appeal for the creation of Anioma State at the public hearing.
Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers from the Anioma region in Delta State, Obi Kikachukwu described the call for Anioma State as a long-overdue demand grounded in justice, cultural identity and political inclusion.
The Anioma monarch emphasised that the demand is not a personal or isolated one but a united front involving all traditional rulers and key stakeholders across Anioma land.
He said their presence at the hearing was deliberate and symbolic of their collective resolve to be part of the constitutional reform process.
Obi Kikachukwu argued that the creation of Anioma State is not merely a political issue but one that touches on the dignity and cultural affirmation of the Anioma people, who he said have long felt sidelined within the current state structure.
He reminded the committee that the agitation dates back 71 years ago, reflecting decades of persistent advocacy and what he described as the marginalisation of the Anioma people.
“This is not a new request. It is a 71-year-old cry for justice, for recognition and for a rightful place within the Nigerian federation,” he told the committee.
“Our people are tired of existing without identity. Living without a distinct state is a form of modern slavery. It must end.
“Now, the agitation is getting stronger. That is why we consider it necessary to be physically present at this hearing, not just as monarchs, but as custodians of our people’s hope.
“Our people will be free. The denial of statehood is not just administrative. It is a denial of our heritage, our identity and our contribution to Nigeria,” he said.
He made a direct appeal to the Senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio and members of the Constitution Review Committee saying, “We are making a passionate appeal that you oblige our request to create Anioma State. This is the will of our people.”
Recall that Senator Nowo vowed to surprise Governor Oborevwori over the creation of Anioma State.
While vowing that nothing would stop the creation of an Anioma State, he alleged that Governor Oborevwori’s aides are all anti-Anioma and afraid to see another state created for their selfish interests.
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