… As Asagba Applauds Senator Nwoko’s Legislative Drive
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has received high praise and endorsement from the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany C. Azinge, for his impactful performance in the Senate and his unwavering pursuit of the creation of Anioma State.
During a visit to the monarch’s Abuja residence on Saturday, the Asagba extolled the senator’s legislative prowess, bold leadership, and exceptional commitment to the interests of the Anioma people.
Asagba Hails Nwoko’s Vibrancy and Focus in the Senate
Welcoming the senator, the Asagba described him as one of the most proactive and effective lawmakers in the current Senate, noting his impressive legislative output within a short period.
“I commend you so much for all you have been doing. You have always been vibrant and focused, always wanting to touch the lives of your constituents.
“I have followed the Senate activities with keen interest, and I note you are one of the senators that has moved the highest number of Bills within this short period of your sojourn as a senator.
“That is what we want to hear about our representatives, that their voices are being heard, that they are visionaries in their own rights, and that they are true ambassadors of their people,” the monarch stated.
‘Anioma State is Now a National Priority Thanks to You’
Commending Senator Nwoko’s leadership in the agitation for Anioma State, the Asagba declared that the senator had repositioned the issue at the center of national attention through his tenacity and drive.
“Distinguished Senator, there is nobody that cannot praise you for the commitment you have demonstrated in the pursuit of Anioma State.
“You have brought it to the front burner of national discourse, if not international discourse. You have pursued it with zeal, passion, enthusiasm, and a lot of commitment.
“Even anyone who previously doubted the movement can now see the clarity and purpose behind your approach.”
‘You Have Changed My Perspective — We Will Support You Fully’
Asagba Azinge admitted that his initial position was that those who opposed Asaba as Delta State capital should seek their own state.
However, he acknowledged that Senator Nwoko’s approach had reshaped the conversation and galvanized support from across Anioma.
“My position hitherto was that those who never wanted Asaba as Delta capital can go and look for their own state. We shouldn’t be the ones doing the job.
“But you changed the narrative, and it is for us to buckle down and support you.
“If seeking Anioma is the way you feel we should go, fine, we will queue behind you and support you.”
Unwavering Support From Asaba
While emphasizing that Anioma people are not interested in any territorial reconfiguration that would merge them across the Niger, the monarch assured the senator of Asaba’s full backing regardless of the final outcomes.
“Whichever way it goes, know that we from Asaba will always queue behind you, we will be your cheerleaders, supporting you.
“Invite us for your public hearing, we will come. We will present a formidable case that will be difficult to puncture in support of your submission.
“I commend you immensely for all that you have been doing. Your confidence is indescribable. My prayer is that Asaba will always support and guide you so that your visions for our people will become reality.”
Nwoko Clarifies Anioma State Composition
In response, Senator Nwoko reaffirmed that Anioma State is to be carved solely from the nine Local Government Areas of Delta North, aligning with the original vision of the region’s forefathers.
“It is important to note that when our forefathers started this struggle, there was nothing like zoning in Nigeria. It later came as a political nomenclature to address imbalances in allocating key offices.
Anioma is in South-South, but what do we have in common with Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, or Edo that we currently share the same zone with?
The idea of Anioma becoming part of the South-East should not confuse our distinct identity,” he clarified.
Senator Nwoko’s visit and the Asagba’s strong endorsement mark a significant milestone in the movement for Anioma State, reinforcing the senator’s position as a committed and visionary leader for Delta North.
