As momentum continues to build around the campaign for the creation of Anioma State, a prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Emmanuel Eboh, has called on members of the Delta State House of Assembly from Delta North to demonstrate stronger commitment to the cause.
Chief Eboh made the remarks during a press interview following the Senate’s recent public hearing on constitutional amendments, including the proposal for Anioma State, held last weekend in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The APC chieftain criticized what he described as the “lukewarm attitude” of Delta North state legislators toward the Anioma State agitation, despite the overwhelming support it enjoys among their constituents.
It would be recalled that Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, sponsored the bill seeking the creation of Anioma State, an action that has reignited nationwide debate on restructuring and state creation.
Expressing concern over the apparent apathy of some state lawmakers, Chief Eboh said their detachment from the movement runs counter to the aspirations of the people they represent.
“The passive posture of our state legislators does not reflect the unwavering enthusiasm of the people of Delta North who elected them,” he stated.
“The demand for Anioma State is not a new agitation; it predates the current political actors and dates as far back as 1954.”
He referenced the efforts of historical figures like Sir Dennis Osadebay, Nosike Ikpo, and the late Asagba of Asaba, who were among the early champions of the Anioma movement, insisting that today’s leaders have a responsibility to uphold that legacy.
Chief Eboh also responded to reports that some local government chairmen in Delta North had denied signing documents endorsing Anioma State creation.
> “From credible information now in the public domain, those denials appear to be an afterthought, perhaps due to external pressure,” he noted.
“We are aware that they gave their assent, but even if a few individuals backtrack, the majority of the people remain solidly in support. Democracy is about the will of the people, not the hesitation of a few.”
Eboh described the attitude of Delta North lawmakers as “particularly troubling,” especially when compared with local government chairmen who, despite operating with less political autonomy, have shown relatively more support.
“There must be a shift in attitude,” he said. “Those elected to serve Anioma people must rise to the occasion. This is not a time for hide-and-seek politics.
“Everyone must get involved in this state creation movement, it is a collective struggle for the common good.”
Chief Eboh emphasized that the creation of Anioma State is not just a political aspiration but a generational imperative, and urged all elected officials from the region to align with the people’s demand for equity, representation, and development.
