08/08/2024
Rejoinder Supporting the Creation of Anioma State and Opposing Its Inclusion in the Southeast Region
The creation of Anioma State is a longstanding aspiration of the Anioma people, rooted in the desire for political representation, economic development, and cultural preservation. While the need for Anioma State is undeniable, the proposal by Senator Ned Nwoko to incorporate Anioma into the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria raises significant concerns. Such a move would not only undermine the diverse ethnic composition of Anioma land but also infringe upon the rights of its numerous minority communities.
Historical Background of Anioma
Anioma is an acronym coined by our forebears to represent the major communities within the region: **A**niocha, **N**dokwa, **I**ka, and **O**shimili. This deliberate formation highlights the inclusiveness of the region's identity. Interestingly, "Anioma" also rhymes with a native term for "good land," symbolizing the region's aspirations for prosperity and unity. The Anioma people's struggle for statehood is rooted in their quest for self-determination and the desire to address the developmental needs of this diverse region.
Ethnic Diversity in Anioma
Anioma's ethnic composition is uniquely diverse:
- Igbo: Predominantly found in the Oshimili and Aniocha areas, the Igbo-speaking communities share linguistic and cultural ties with their counterparts in the Southeast but maintain distinct historical and cultural identities within Anioma.
- Ika: The Ika people, found in the northern parts of Delta State, have a dialect and cultural practices that distinguish them from other Igbo subgroups and neighboring communities.
- Ukwuani: The Ukwuani people, residing in the Ndokwa area, speak a different language and have distinct traditions. They are culturally closer to the Urhobo people of Delta State.
- Olukumi. The Olukumi people, mainly found in the western part of Anioma, speak a language that is part of the Yoruba language family. They have unique cultural practices and a rich heritage that sets them apart from other groups in the region.
- Other Minority Groups. The Anioma region also includes Itsekiri, Urhobo, and other minority communities whose rights and interests must be safeguarded in any political reconfiguration.
Concerns About Inclusion in the Southeast
1. Loss of Cultural Identity: Grouping Anioma within the Southeast region threatens to dilute the unique cultural identities of its people. Anioma's distinct history and cultural practices could be overshadowed by the larger Igbo identity of the Southeast.
2. Political Marginalization: The inclusion of Anioma in the Southeast may lead to political marginalization. The Southeast is predominantly Igbo, and minority groups within Anioma, including the Olukumi, could struggle to have their voices heard and their interests represented in a region dominated by a single ethnic identity.
3. Resource Allocation and Development: Anioma's inclusion in the Southeast might affect resource allocation and developmental priorities. As part of Delta State, Anioma benefits from oil revenue and other resources. Joining the Southeast could complicate the region’s access to these resources and hinder ongoing development efforts.
4. Infringement on Minority Rights. The merger with the Southeast may infringe on the rights of minority groups within Anioma. Communities like the Olukumi, Ukwuani, and others risk being subsumed under a broader Igbo identity, potentially leading to cultural erosion and the neglect of minority rights.
The creation of Anioma State should focus on addressing the specific needs and aspirations of its people while respecting their diversity.
Anioma's inclusion in the Southeast would compromise the region's cultural and political integrity and negatively impact its development trajectory.
Anioma State should be established as a separate entity within the framework of Delta State or as a new state within the South-South geopolitical zone. This approach would honor the vision of our forebears, preserve the rich cultural diversity of Anioma, and ensure that the rights and interests of all communities within the region, including the Olukumi, are safeguarded.
As we continue to advocate for Anioma State, we must emphasize the importance of unity in diversity and the need for a political structure that reflects and respects the unique identity of the Anioma people.
Our vision for Anioma State should prioritize the empowerment of its diverse communities, fostering development, representation, and harmony for all its people and that of the entire Nigeria. Not just a region within our multi-ethinic Federation.
Long live Anioma!
God bless our Federal Republic of Nigeria! 🇳🇬 🙏
Godswill Obot Akpabio Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori
