There is unease in Ndokwa and Ukwuani ethnic groups in Delta State over comment credited to Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba.
The monarch who doubles as the Chairman of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum, in a press briefing on Friday February 4th 2022,
described those behind the formation of Anioma Progressives Union to displace Anioma Congress as coup plotters.
Asagba, who spoke on the 2023 governorship election on which zone or ethnic nationality that takes over from the incumbent, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, said: “For instance, if we agree on rotation, will it be on senatorial district basis or ethnic basis? We will discuss this. If it is rotation by senatorial districts, the Urhobo people of Delta central will have a say. If it is ethnic basis, then only two who have not had the chance, that is Ijaw and Isoko”.
In a swift reaction, a Rural Community Development, activist,
Comrade Frank West I.N, who took to his Facebook page, said Ndokwa ethnic Nationality is not “Anioma”.
Hear him: “Ndokwa/Ukwuani people are unique and are second to none,we speak the Ukwuani/Eboh language, we are the second largest ethnic Nationality in Delta state, Nigeria, and the largest ethnic group in Delta north senatorial district.
“On 2023 gubernatorial election: if it’s on ethnic grounds,then only Three who have not had the chance, That’s Ndokwa/Ukwuani,Isoko and the Ijaw.
“The provocative and derogatory statement emanating from the “Asagba of Asaba’ should be withdrawn with an immediate effect in the next 48 hours and tender an unreserved apology to the good people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Ethnic Nationality.
“A mere Acronym coined by Late Chief Denis Osadebe should not be use by anyone to deprive ” Ndokwa/Ukwuani” people the opportunity to become the Governor of Delta state in the nearest future.
“The Asagba of Asaba’ statement read’s below: On 2023 gubernatorial election, according to the publication by The Story, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien said: “If it is rotation by senatorial districts, the Urhobo people of Delta central will have a say. If it is ethnic basis, then only two who have not had the chance, that is Ijaw and Isoko”.
In another post, Frank West, said: “The acronym “ANIOMA” is a calculated step to deprive Ndokwa/Ukwuani people their rights in the Political arena. The usage of this acronym “ANIOMA” is hereby banned in Any part of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Land”
Annamtram Okilolo, in his comment wrote: “I support HIS ROYAL MAJESTY on Delta Central for GOVERNOR. Unfortunately, Ndokwa Nation have been CONQUERED long ago. This ur STRATEGIC thinking call a new fight which are people will not support us”.
Another respondent, Ericson Mgbeme, hinted: “The Obi only tried to undermined our Ndokwa people as an ethic group.But God has a way of doing things.Their plan is to coin us into their Anioma because of huge mineral resources which they don’t have and can not have.The jealousy is clear from Obi’s table”.
Augustus Ogbuka, said: “Ndokwa nation benefited nothing from Anioma agenda, let’s learn to stand on our own so we can freely negotiate the terms for our political loyalty”.
While Tonylugard Ugboma, said: “I have once made a statement on this social media that NDOKWA must produce governor, it’s a matter of time, am not trying to be sentimental but speaking the mind of God, and it will come to pass, AMEN”.
Alsox Up Emma, wrote: “Ndokwa/Ukwani ethnicity {Anieze} is far different from Anioma.Prof.haseven given part of his palacia to Hausa&Fulanis”.
