Influential socio-political group, Club Anio 50, has called for unity among the Anioma people over the renewed agitation for the creation of Anioma State, urging detractors to desist from sowing discord and politicizing the movement.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Matthew Udeze Oweleke, and Secretary, Mr. Chidi Ubah, the group expressed “profound concern” over what it described as “disingenuous and unnecessary controversies” being peddled by individuals seeking political relevance at the expense of Anioma’s collective interest.
Club Anio 50, made up of prominent professionals and political figures from Delta North Senatorial District, reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to the creation of Anioma State, a struggle it said predates the formation of the current Delta State and even contributed to Asaba being named the state capital in 1991.
The organization threw its full weight behind Senator Ned Nwoko, the lawmaker representing Delta North in the National Assembly, who is currently championing the cause for the creation of Anioma State.
While acknowledging that some critics have accused Senator Nwoko of not consulting widely and of pursuing the agenda for personal political ambition, Club Anio 50 dismissed those claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
The statement emphasized that the agitation for Anioma State is an age-old movement and not an invention of any one politician. It added that the process of state creation in Nigeria is complex and requires broad national consensus, which the Senator is actively working to build.
Club Anio 50 also condemned attempts to divide Anioma people along ethnic or geopolitical lines, 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 geopolitical zone.
“We are embarrassed by those promoting the narrative that Anioma people are not Igbos. In a country that is in dire search for unity in diversity, we should not be seen as promoting diversity in unity,” the group said.
The statement further noted that Nigeria’s geopolitical zones are relatively recent administrative constructs and should not be used to limit the legitimate aspirations of any group.
Citing historical precedents, Club Anio 50 traced Nigeria’s state creation process to post-civil war efforts to ensure national unity and balanced development. The group argued that the creation of Anioma State would align with the broader political and economic evolution.
Club Anio 50 urged all Anioma sons and daughters to rally behind the collective cause rather than engage in “revisionism” or internal sabotage. The group warned that internal divisions could undermine decades of advocacy and delay the realization of Anioma State.
“We must avoid destroying the foundation for the creation of Anioma State that we have spent decades constructing,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its unifying mission, Club Anio 50 said it deliberately avoided naming groups to prevent further polarization. It reiterated its confidence that the renewed national discussion on state creation presents a timely opportunity for Anioma people to achieve their long-cherished dream.