Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has sharply criticised Senator Ned Nwoko, accusing him of deceiving the public and pursuing the wrong approach in the ongoing agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
Speaking during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oshimili South Local Government Area, linked to his senatorial ambitions Okowa questioned the timing of the state creation discussions, noting that the current legislative calendar makes such a move unrealistic at this stage.
He warned that raising expectations now could amount to public deception, stressing that any decision on Anioma State must stem from a genuine collective agreement among the people, stakeholders, and the government.
Okowa rejected claims that he opposes the creation of Anioma State, insisting that no indigene of the area, including himself, is against the idea in principle.
However, he emphasised that the proposed state must reflect the true will of the people.
According to him, the desired Anioma State should consist of the nine local government areas in Delta North, remain within the South-South geopolitical zone, and retain Asaba as its capital.
He strongly criticised any attempts to alter Asaba’s status as Delta State’s capital, describing such moves as misguided and disrespectful to the historical struggles that established it there.
In his words: “No Anioma son, I don’t believe that there’s any Anioma son that’s opposed to the creation of Anioma state, not me as people try to portray. But the Anioma that we seek must be the Anioma that the people collectively wish for.”
He added: “An Asaba daughter fought for us, and today we have the headquarters of Delta state in Asaba… suddenly you want to wish away that headquarters. It’s terrible and it ought not to be.”
Okowa further highlighted the importance of proper consultation, saying: “When you believe that you know it all, you will go the wrong path.” He pointed out that with the legislative timetable already advanced, pushing state creation now is unrealistic and potentially deceitful.
He concluded optimistically: “Anioma State, by the special grace of God, we will continue to decide but when it’s going to come it will be a collective decision of our people. And those of us in Anioma and the sitting government will collectively stand up and say we want this. And it is possible.”
The remarks, shared in a video posted on social media, come amid growing political tensions in Delta North as Okowa eyes a return to the Senate, potentially challenging Nwoko.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com