Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), the apex body representing the people of Ndokwa Ukwuani federal constituency, has expressed opposition to th
e outcome of a public hearing on the creation of Anioma State, which was held on July 4, 2025, in Uyo.
This is contained in a letter of protest signed by NNU President General, Chief Amechi Asugwun, and the Secretary General, Deacon Jimoh Egwali.
The union, which represents the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people of Delta North Senatorial District, expressed hat regret that their delegate was not allowed to speak at the hearing, and therefore, their opinion was not sought or respected.
The letter reads in part: ”It may interest the general public to note that Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) delegates who represented the voice of Ndosumili and Ukwuani people of Delta North Senatorial District), was not allowed to speak at the purported public hearing at Uyo.
“This implies that the opinion of Ndosumili and Ukwuani ethnic nationality, which is the second largest ethnic group in Delta State and largest in Delta North, was not sought, heard and was not respected, on a very sensitive subject matter that touches on the very core existence of the people, as it concerns state creation and other associated matters bothering on the choice of geopolitical zone in this regard”, it added.
It further states, ”That for the avoidance of doubt and record purposes, the leadership of NNU hereby state the collective and unequivocal position of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people, who constitute the good people of Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East,
and Ukwuani Local Government Areas within the Delta North Senatorial District of
Delta State.
”This position reflects extensive consultations across all our communities, elders, traditional rulers and institutions, youth leaders, and diaspora groups.
The NNU has made it clear that their support for Anioma State creation was conditional upon it being within the South-South Geopolitical Zone.
They urged the Senate Committee to respect their position and warn against any attempts to compromise their identity, interests, or future, as the union is determined to protect the rights and heritage of the Ndosumili and Ukwuani people.
According to the NNU President General, on the Conditional Support for Anioma State Creation: “The Ndosumili and Ukwuani people welcome the idea of creating Anioma State out of the present Delta State.
”We view this as a potential development that could bring government closer to the people and foster economic growth.
”However, our support is unequivocally conditional: the proposed Anioma State must remain within the South-South geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This aligns with the historical and political reality of our origin in the Mid-Western Region.
”Let it be known that if, for any reason whatsoever, the proposed Anioma State is to be placed within the South-East Geopolitical Zone, we will respectfully but firmly reject such inclusion.
”In such an event, we vehemently state our desire to remain in Delta State, within the South-South. We will resist any attempt to relocate or realign our people and land outside our established geopolitical heritage.
”Our ancestors laboured through a
referendum to form the Mid-Western Region, which was subsequently zoned
to the South-South; we, their descendants, will not deviate from this legacy.
”The Ukwuani/Ndosummiili people are desirous of Anioma State within the existing framework of Nigeria and have no intent to secede or force national disintegration.
”Our people remain firm stakeholders in the Nigerian project and distance ourselves from any such separatist ideologies. The NNU is the only recognised and authorised voice of the Ndosumili and Ukwuani people on this critical matter.
”Any other representation, negotiation, or declaration not expressly sanctioned by the NNU is null and void and should be entirely
disregarded by all stakeholders.
”In view of the foregoing, let it be known that any individual, group of persons, or organisation attempting to speak or act in contradiction of the collective will of the Ndosumili and Ukwuani people, as articulated by the NNU, will be vehemently opposed and resisted.
”We will not permit our identity, interests, or future to be compromised by unauthorised actions or misrepresentations, no
matter how highly placed the individual or group may be.
”We recall with concern that the old Aboh Division, from which our people originate, was not fairly treated during past local government creation exercises, particularly under General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) regime.
”While other divisions have seen an increase in their Local Government Councils, the old Aboh division has not.
”We therefore demand that this historical imbalance be addressed in any future administrative restructuring, especially in the context of Anioma State creation.
“Specifically, we propose that each of our constituent LGAs—Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani—be further divided into three, totaling nine (9) extra Local Government Areas.
”The above proposal is aimed at retaining our names to capture our original identity and historic status as Ndosumili and Ukwani and to be later known and called the Ndosumili Federal Constituent and Ukwanni Federal Constituent, respectively.
”This will undeniably bring development and economic growth to our people and address the long-standing issues of marginalisation.
”The Ndosumili and Ukwani people are not opposed to progress or the creation of new states. However, we insist on fairness, respect for our identity, and adherence to due process.
”Our message is clear, unified, and resonates from every corner of our
land: Anioma State is welcome but only within the South-South geopolitical zone and under no circumstances will our people be moved into the South-East region.
”We urge the distinguished members of the Senate Committee to hear and respect this
solemn position of the Ndosumili Ukwuani people, officially called Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality.”
