…as Asagba commends senator Nwoko’s strides
Barth Ozah
The Steering Committee of Ugo-Anioma Movement, dedicated for the creation of Anioma state, Sunday paid a solidarity visit to Prince Ned Nwoko, the senator representing the Delta North senatorial district.
The Convener of Ugo-Anioma, Apostle Victor Sorokwu, who led the members of the Steering Committee drawn from the nine LGAs of Delta North said the team was put together to continue advocacy and sensitisation campaign from community to community, an aftermath of the successful outcomes of the Anioma Stakeholders Summit, which held on August 31.
The Convener noted that Ugo-Anioma is made up of members from different political divides and are fully dedicated in promoting Anioma State creation, noting that it was important to have a strategic interactive session with the most distinguished senator Nwoko to enable members have first hand information regarding the Anioma state creation project.
While commending Nwoko for his sacrifices in pushing the bill for the Anioma state creation up to the second reading at the senate, reiterated the resolve of the group in build the needed support across all stakeholders in Delta North and beyond toward the realisation of the age-long quest for the state.
On his part, Senator Nwoko thanked the team for the visit especially for believing in the Anioma project, insisting that any Anioma indigene who refused to support the creation of Anioma state should be regarded as ‘ignorant person’.
He urged the people not to be perturbed about the nomenclature or the zone the Anioma state will be ceded to noting that zoning is irrelevant.
“We shouldn’t be worried about the zone Anioma should be. Whether it is in North Central, South South or South East what is more important is the creation of Anioma state.
“I am a member of the Constitutional Review Committee at the senate and I can confidently tell you that Anioma state creation is the only state recommended in our report during a recent retreat the Committee had in Kano state, that is to tell you the importance attached to the Anioma state creation.” Nwoko pointed out.
Shortly after the session, the group accompanied the Star Senator to a royal visit on the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, at his palace in Asaba.
Speaking at his palace in Asaba when the federal legislator paid him a congratulatory visit following his coronation, the royal father commended the senator representing Delta North senatorial district for his dynamism, dexterity in navigating successfully a precarious political terrain in the nation capital even when he is not a member of the ruling party.
The monarch, said despite the fact Nwoko is not a member of the ruling APC, he has been able to navigate his way to make his voice heard loud and clear in the National Assembly and Presidency.
“The dynamic strides you have taken are quite commendable. I appreciate your industry. I commend you for the Anioma project. We hope it becomes a reality in fullness of time.
“We commend your initiative. It been a dream of Asaba indigene to have a federal university because its only state capital in Nigeria without a federal university. We want a federal university to serve as a compensation for the Asaba massacre on 7th October, 1967.
“You are not of a ruling party in Abuja but you are able to navigate to get what you want is ingenuity. You are a man of class and a goal getter. We cannot underestimate your support.
“Asaba people are proud of you. Coming here with your supporters, we are proud of you and we will always be with you praying for a success in Anioma project.” The monarch stated.
Earlier, senator Nwoko had eulogized Obi Professor Azinge’s pedigree and said a great king reigns in Delta, with uncommon academic and administrative stature.
He noted that the Asagba has the capacity to lead Delta traditional institution, with his high education,
international exposure and pre- eminence of Asaba, since the colonial and post-independent times.
Nwoko assured the monarch of his dedication to development and the material well being of the people saying; “Anioma state is important to me and would be actualized by concerted action. I am also committed to building lasting infrastructure while empowering the people.
“Ogwashi Uku dam and Okpai electricity projects remain dear to me. I have made substantial efforts to ensure the completion of the projects. The dam will get on steam to boost irrigation for agriculture and provide water to over 66 Anioma communities.
“I am concerned about the Okpai Power plant, because the benefits are immeasurable to Anioma people. The Oko road linking several communities would be constructed among other vital initiatives.” The lawmaker said.
