The Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) has expressed strong opposition to the outcome of a public hearing on the creation of Anioma State, citing that their delegate was not allowed to speak at the hearing.
In a letter signed by NNU President General, Chief Amechi Asugwun, and Secretary General, Deacon Jimoh Egwali, the union stated that the opinion of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people, who constitute the second-largest ethnic group in Delta and the largest in Delta North, was not sought, heard, or respected.
The NNU has made it clear that their support for Anioma State creation was conditional upon the proposed state remaining within the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
They view the creation of Anioma State as a potential development that could bring government closer to the people and foster economic growth, but any attempt to relocate or realign their people and land outside their established geopolitical heritage will be resisted.
The union recalled the historical imbalance faced by the old Aboh Division, from which their people originate, during past local government creation exercises.
They demanded that this imbalance be addressed in any future administrative restructuring, especially in the context of Anioma State creation.
Specifically, they proposed that each of their constituent LGAs Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani be further divided into three, totaling nine Local Government Areas.
This proposal, according to the NNU, is aimed at retaining their original identity and historic status as Ndosumili and Ukwanni.
They urged the Senate Committee to respect their position and warn against any attempts to compromise their identity, interests, or future.
However, the NNU’s stance has been criticised by some Ndokwa stakeholders, who accuse the union of serving the interests of the immediate past Gôvernor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa rather than those of the Ukwuani people.
Critics argued that the NNU’s opposition to Senator Ned Nwoko’s Anioma State creation project was driven by its allegiance to Okowa, and that the union has failed to address pressing issues affecting the people, such as the shooting and detention of protesters advocating for the step-down of IPP projects.
Three key questions have been posed to the NNU: What specific advantages do the people of Delta North gain from being part of the South-South region that they would lose if they were part of the South-East?
Is there any constitutional basis for the fear that the Governor of Anioma State would be subordinate to other South-East Governors if the state were part of that region?
And why has the NNU remained silent on issues such as the IPP step-down project, which directly affects the lives and future of the Ukwuani people?
The NNU’s response to these questions will help clarify its stance on state creation and regional alignment.
As the people of Delta North consider their future, it’s essential to assess whether the NNU’s actions aligned with their best interests or if they serve other agendas.
Dr Ossai Sylvanus Annantram, Chairman of Ndokwa Nation APC Stakeholders, has also weighed in on the issue, accusing the NNU of betrayal and urging them to focus on more pressing issues, such as the award of Okpai Road from Beneku, funding Aboh Polytechnic, reviewing oil production quantum, and stepping down IPP projects.
He questioned the NNU’s loyalty to the people, suggesting that they were more interested in serving the interests of Senator Okowa than those of the Ukwuani people.
Innocent Onyah, a local chief from Abbi Kingdom, has also criticised the NNU, accusing them of functioning as an extension of the old PDP political elite and standing in the way of progressive ideas meant to uplift the people.
He urged the NNU to be held accountable and to prioritise the interests of the Ukwuani people.
The debate surrounding the NNU’s stance on Anioma State creation and regional alignment continues, with many calling for clarity and accountability from the union.
