As opinions on the creation of Anioma state from Delta state remain divided among stakeholders, monarchs from the zone have called for a more inclusive dialogue and wider consultation on the issue by the proponents of the initiative.

The monarchs however cautioned that the unity, cohesion and identity of the people of Anioma (entire delta north senatorial district) should not be compromised under whatever guise.

Rising from their quarterly meeting at Owa Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government area at the weekend, the monarchs, under the aegis of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, appealed for calm among the political class and proponents of the Anioma state agenda insisting that the input, views and opinions of all strata of Anioma community should be aggregated in the pursuit of the goals for the creation of Anioma state.

In a five point Communiqué signed by its Chairman and Obi of Owa, Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor 11 and the Vice Chairman and Obi of Ubulu – Unor, Dr.Henry kikachukwu 1 after the meeting, the monarchs underscored the importance of engagements across board and unity of purpose adding the people should unanimously agree to speak with one voice based on issues of common interest to the entire Anioma Nation as one indivisible entity with common identity and heritage.

According to them, “we should stop washing our dirty linings in the public. Senate Ned Nwoko, who is representing Delta North in the national assembly and other elected representatives of the people, political class and other critical stakeholders should work together and engage the people to know what they want rather than embark on what is perceived as personal aggrandizement.”

They pointedly enjoined those currently agitating for the Anioma state project and the drivers of the initiative to “maintain status quo”, pending when a comprehensive dialogue and all inclusive consultations have been concluded in order to give the initiative a clear direction.

The royal fathers frowned at a situation where the issue of the Anioma State creation and the zoning formula has polarized the political class and other critical stakeholders, saying such acrimony was capable of derailing the entire overall objective and deprive the zone of the much desired social, economic and political development.

They urged the political class to work in synergy with the people for the purpose of cohesion in their various engagements bothering on the welfare of their constituents.

On security, the royal father’s challenged those representing the people at all levels of governance to immediately tackle insecurity which had bedeviled the entire Anioma area and negatively impacted on rural communities within the district.

“We are alarmed at the devastating menace of insecurity in the land to the extent that our people no longer go to farm for fear of either being killed or kidnapped while our women are being constantly rapped and abused by criminals who have taken thick forests and the bush as their place of abode. Are these issues not enough challenge for our politicians to address?” the monarchs retorted.

“The generality of the people in Delta North and in the state are hungry and angry following wide spread poverty. The people are looking up to the politicians to resolve the problem of food security and other social economic woes as a way of fulfilling their electioneering campaigns but to no avail,” they said.

The Senator representing Delta North in the Senate, Senator Ned Nwoko who attended the meeting took advantage of forum to brief the Royal fathers of his activities in the senate and the vexed issue of the Anioma State agenda which has polarized the district and generated needless controversy over the configuration of proposed Anioma state.

The meeting was attended by about twenty five Delta North Traditional Rulers among whom are; the Obi of Issele Uku, Ugo Ani of Okpanam, Obi of Mbiri, Obi of Umunede, Ukwata of Umukwata , Obi of Ukala Kingdom. Others who attended the meeting are; former Deputy governor of Delta State Chief BSC Elue , Hon Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Elekeokuri, Chief Dan Okenyi among other critical stakeholders. (Nigerian Tribune)

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