The Oluku Ndokwa Envoys-Initiative, aka Organised Ndokwa Effort is a socio-cultural and apolitical organisation, duly registered with the CAC, with the main objective of promoting an ‘Ndokwa without barriers’ agendum.
Over the years we have been practicing “development politics” by working to enhance in the progressive development of the entire Ndosumili/Ukwuani (Ndokwa) people and environment, comprising the three local government areas of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, namely Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani LGAs.
Our statement of special appeal on the need for a genuine Anioma State is detailed below:
1) Self-actualisation:
It is wise to begin by saying that we cannot be deceived by any political gimmicks on the issue of State creation because the process of Constitution amendment is not easy.
State creation requires a referendum or supportive resolution of the entire 36 States Houses of Assembly; not 24 States as in the case of the regular amendment of the Constitution, which is a difficult enough task.
2) A genuine Anioma State creation is INDISPUTABLE.
We wholeheartedly support any proposal for the realization of Anioma State creation. The visionary concept of its founders is indeed commendable.
In almost a century, the historical records and unceasing efforts of stakeholders for its actualization are indeed praise worthy.
Kindly recall that our traditional and political leaders who initiated the idea of an Anioma State were driven by the factors of human and economic viability and the need for equality, impartiality, oneness, and the wellbeing of all concerned.
3) The verifiable INEQUITY
We absolutely believe in the proposed ANIOMA State, on the basis of the above set objectives. However, we have observed that the current Anioma idea at the National Assembly is at variance with the Anioma vision of its founding fathers.
Equality, impartiality and oneness appear to have been abandoned, leaving Ndokwa with the short end of the stick. Ndokwa ought not to be so unfairly treated, disregarded, and disadvantaged with the clear intention to impose leadership, rule or reign over us.
Kindly take note that it is solely our current Federal Constituency that will be massively funding the proposed Anioma State when it is created, from MASSIVE Oil & Gas production in our natural environment; with the production hazards causing us severe sufferings and much unbearable health challenges.
4) Our Proposal
Today, we the Organised Ndokwa Effort hereby propose an ‘Anioma Brothers Cooperation’ (ABC) to promote the actualisation of an equitable ANIOMA STATE. Drivers are usually warned that SPEED KILLS, so there is no hurry in doing the right things and doing them properly.
We will not permit any unwholesome schism that can derail the noble and brotherly cooperation among Anioma people.
Thus, we will uphold the spirit of fairness and justice that solidly rests on the bond and strong ties between the old Aboh and Asaba Divisions.
5) Consultations are inevitable
As much as the subject of Anioma State creation is a good idea, the need for in-depth and far reaching grassroots consultations with the real stakeholders cannot be avoided.
Ndokwa Federal constituency is home to diverse Clans or communities with shared ancestries sourced from Ukwuani, Benin, Aboh, Igbo, Isoko and Ijaw amongst others. There have not been consultations with each of these autonomous Clans.
6) The task before us
When there is no consultative MOBILISATION, there will never be a GENUINE progression of the processes for the realization of the Anioma State of our dreams.
The onerous task before us remains resolving the current imbalances to restore equality and stimulate cooperation between the geographical aggregations.
Thus, consultation is not the quick presentation of a self-serving legislative Bill, or any public announcement of self-glorifying intent. Such stakeholders’ consultation must be devoid of hired attendants and agents provocateurs.
There is need for a proper stakeholders’ forum that will not impose the conveners’ agenda but offer objective basis for the exchange of critical ideas and constructive opinions.
7) The Substructure
There is no doubt that the present substructure of Anioma State has deviated from the founding substructure.
This has to be corrected, the lopsidedness balanced. Ndokwa people must neither be cheated nor be made to feel that way.
Therefore, no matter our belief in the beautiful ideals of the original Anioma State, we must first cure the defective substructure to obviate the total collapse of the entire superstructure.
In other words, it is when we succeed in revisiting its foundational structural problems which are rooted in its former Divisions, that shared equal and flawless status, only then can Anioma State creation smoothly advance, with much ease, unbreakable fraternity, oneness of purpose, oiled with the bond of affinity and enhanced for its successful creation, by the grace of GOD. For instance:
It is an indisputable truth that the old Aboh and Asaba divisions were once equal political entities;
From the old Aboh division was unjustly created only a Federal Constituency with three (3) LGA in a very large geographical area;
From the old Asaba division was generously created two Federal Constituencies with six (6) LGA in a large geographical area.
8) Funding an Anioma State when established
If the proposed Anioma State will depend on the natural endowment of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency for most of its funds, we should be much better respected, recognised and appreciated as the only MAJOR Oil & Gas BEARING hub and the only MAJOR Oil & Gas PRODUCING area in the whole of the ANIOMA geographical areas within the Delta North Senatorial district of Nigeria.
Oil exploration and production began in the Ndokwa area since 1962, ensuing to 63 years running, accruing so much revenue.
Presently, increased Oil production of new Oilfields from the Ndokwa golden resources has multiplied our production quantum and the maximized revenue will result to huge FAC funding which can contribute over 90 per cent fund for the administration of the proposed Anioma State when created.
The quest for ANIOMA will greatly depend on Ndokwa as the MAJOR source of fund, or the main RESOURCE CONTRIBUTOR for the development the State, and considering the Human and critical economic factors, Ndokwa should be most favored in the structure of political equity.
This being the case, the following are very important questions begging for suitable answers:
a) Whoever wants to dictate the tune should be ready to also pay the piper.
This is why it is better to pursue dialogue than dictate to Ndokwa people, knowing that the Anioma State being proposed is economically viable because of the massive revenue from Oil & Gas production in Ndokwaland which provides almost the bulk of fund needed to run the entire State.
Thus, we should be well-appreciated and given best considerations.
b) A simple view of the Delta North Map shows the equal land space between the areas of the old Aboh and Asaba Divisions.
This equality should be reflected in the creation of equal number of LGA, Federal Constituencies and Senatorial District in each areas of the old Division, to remedy any current inequality.
For instance, Ndokwa East LGA is the largest LGA in the entire Southern Nigeria, capable of forming three or more additional LGA with a separate or standalone Federal Constituency.
c) Anioma State deserves two distinct statuses of State capital, the Administrative and Commercial capitals for its accelerated development, which can be located to naturally befit a location in each of two old divisions.
d) Needless considering where the Geo-political zone that the new State may be.
The Nigerian constitution does not recognise Geo-political zones. But, with regards to Geo-political delineation, the South-South Zone as the indisputable major resource hub of the nation deserves at least a compensatory additional State, to be equal with the North West zone.
e) Also, bearing in mind the age long post-civil war injustice against the South-East who are severely suffering in the industrially resourceful zone; they deserve an additional State to be created from within the current areas of their geographical zone.
9) Ndokwa patriots don’t take back seat: Recall that after the collapse of the second republic, the ‘Bendel East Cultural Association’ (BECA) championed the creation of Anioma State. Chief Sunny Odogwu, “Ide Ahaba” (President) and Chief A.O Okolocha, the great “Azagalaza of Abbi” (Chairman) of BECA, showcased the equality of the old Asaba and Aboh divisions by having ‘joint leaders’ as President and Chairman.
After the creation of Delta State, the organization was renamed ‘Delta North Cultural Association’ (DENCA) and the movement for the creation of Anioma State continued under those auspices.
They galvanized our people on the basis of equity, fairness, oneness, and togetherness.
The current agitators appear to have abandoned these principles in pursuit of self-aggrandizement. We are not oblivious of what a new state brings.
It is on record that the desire for Anioma State creation was not chiefly championed by only the indigenes of the old Asaba Division. The several forefront roles played by notable indigenes of the old Aboh Division cannot be wished away.
The very significant Anioma State CREST was articulated by a notable Ndokwa son, the tireless High Chief (Engr) Toni Eboh Ezeukwu, former acting Chairman of the then Ndokwa National Union, the umbrella organization of Ndokwa ethnic nationality, decades before our current elected players came into Federal legislative office.
At times like this, the demise of our irreplaceable Dr. P. C. Obadoni, late Leader of Ndokwa Study Group re-echoes again. We miss his worthy opinions and very valuable contributions.
Also, our late sons Dr. Joshua Enueme, Dr Roland Eyime, Professor B.I.C Ijomah, and several patriarchs in the post-independence era especially Chief Francis Oputa-Otutu, Chief A.O Okolocha, Chief S.L.S. Odili-Obi, Chief O.I. Dafe amongst few other key players who are still alive contended for the then proposed Delta, Anioma and Coast States in the second republic.
I commend all of them for their genuine commitment.
10) Liberty of choice: Our questions amongst several others are not in any way offensive or illegitimate because they very well meet the acceptable standards or rules of what really consists of an in-depth consultation with all the key Stakeholders.
Thus, whoever evades any of the questions and position of the Organised Ndokwa Effort (ONE) does not truly wish the success of the ANIOMA STATE creation as intended by its founders, our patriarchs and passionate vision bearers.
Conclusion: In any case, our people are divided in the choice between partnering with either the old Asaba Division and the old Delta province.
Thus, if our affiliation with the old Asaba Division cannot earn us much gain that is commensurate to our input of human, environmental and wealthy natural resources; a readily available alternative for our people is for us to cooperate with our old Delta Province family based on established cultural affinity and common social integration with them, that goes beyond the mere sharing of similar dialect that keeps us disadvantaged and proves to be unprofitable.
The diverse public opinions conversed by various persons and organizations from the inclusive Anioma areas prompted the need for this corporate position on the Anioma State creation, which I am directed by my Chairman, and our Board of Trustees to present, for and on behalf of the:
Oluku Ndokwa Envoys-Initiative
(aka ‘Organized Ndokwa Effort’)
Svt. Rodney Odibe Odili-Obi
Coordinator (‘ONE’)
Updated on this Tuesday, 1st July, 2025
 |
