Influential socio-political organization, Club Anio 50, has thrown its weight behind Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, while calling for unity among the Anioma people over the renewed campaign for the creation of Anioma State.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Matthew Udeze Oweleke, and Secretary, Mr. Chidi Ubah, the group expressed deep concern over what it described as “disingenuous and needless controversies” being spread by individuals seeking political visibility at the expense of Anioma’s collective aspiration.
Club Anio 50, a coalition of notable professionals and political leaders from Delta North, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the actualization of Anioma State, a cause it noted predates the creation of the present Delta State and significantly influenced the decision to make Asaba the state capital in 1991.
Declaring full support for Senator Nwoko’s ongoing legislative push for Anioma State, the group dismissed as baseless and politically motivated, claims by certain critics that the Senator is pursuing the cause for personal ambition or without adequate consultation.
“The agitation for Anioma State is not the invention of any one individual. It is a historic movement deeply rooted in the collective will of our people,” the statement emphasized.
The organization further highlighted that the process of state creation in Nigeria requires extensive national consensus, which Senator Nwoko is diligently fostering through engagement and advocacy at the national level.
Club Anio 50 also condemned attempts to sow division among Anioma people based on ethnic or geopolitical sentiments, particularly the argument that Anioma is not part of the Igbo cultural group or that it should remain in the South-South rather than the South-East zone.
“We are embarrassed by those promoting the narrative that Anioma people are not Igbos. In a country striving for unity in diversity, such divisive rhetoric is retrogressive,” the group stated.
The statement noted that Nigeria’s geopolitical classifications are administrative and should not be weaponized to undermine legitimate aspirations.
It added that the demand for Anioma State aligns with the broader national objectives of equity, unity, and balanced development, consistent with post-civil war efforts to foster national integration.
Urging all Anioma sons and daughters to remain united and committed to the cause, the group warned against “revisionism and internal sabotage” capable of derailing decades of advocacy.
“We must not destroy the foundation we have painstakingly built over the years for the creation of Anioma State,” the statement cautioned.
Reiterating its mission of unity, Club Anio 50 explained that it deliberately refrained from naming individuals or groups to prevent further polarization.
It expressed optimism that the current national discourse on state creation presents a historic opportunity for Anioma people to realize their long-cherished dream.
