The proposed Anioma State has created a bitter row between Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill’s sponsor, and the Ika people.
The Ika People have accused Nwoko of being overbearing and self-serving by not consulting them.
In a swift reply, Nwoko said the Ika people were not worthy of consultation because they had not contributed anything to the development of the proposed state.
In an open letter to the Senate president, the Ikoro Agbor denounced Nwoko and his Anioma State dream, arguing that Ned Nwoko lacked the mandate to push for Anioma State because he had not consulted with his constituents.
” That the mandate of Senator Ned Nwoko, representative of Delta north in the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, does not include any permission to railroad or bond the Delta north or Anioma people to a political union with southeastern Nigeria without the democratic consent of the people expressed in a referendum,” they said.
But Nwoko poked fun at the Ikoko Agbor group through his special adviser on media, Maxwell Peter Nwoko.
“This is very laughable. A group that has never voiced or contributed any meaningful word, action or relevant activities to its region is trying so hard to gain cheap popularity with their distorted stories and opportunities to ride on the popularity of the most proactive and efficient senator in the 10th Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko.
“Our quest for creating the Anioma State is beyond childish or political play. It is a serious pursuit of purpose toward developmental goals and our socio-cultural identity,” Nwoko stated.
