The political landscape of Delta State, particularly within the Anioma region, has been marked by a rift between two prominent figures, Senator Ned Nwoko and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi. This discord, stemming from the 2023 general elections, has drawn concern from various stakeholders, including Prof Leroy Edozien, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Prof Edozien has publicly appealed to both senators to reconcile their differences, emphasizing the paramount importance of Anioma’s collective interests.
Prof Edozien’s appeal came during a reception for the Ugo-Anioma Movement, a group advocating for the creation of Anioma State. He underscored his long-standing commitment to the Anioma cause, transcending political affiliations, and highlighted his past efforts to mediate between the two senators. He urged them to prioritize the unity and progress of Anioma over personal grievances, recognizing the detrimental impact of their disunity on the region’s development. His commitment to Anioma’s progress is evident in his past gubernatorial aspiration, driven by the desire to ensure the region completes its eight-year tenure in government.
The creation of Anioma State has been a subject of contention, with various underlying motivations influencing different stances. Prof Edozien acknowledged potential reasons for opposition, ranging from personal political agendas to resistance against the inclusion of Anioma within the Southeast geopolitical zone. He emphasized the historical context of the demand for Anioma State, linked to the President’s call for an additional state in the Southeast to achieve regional equity. He argued that Anioma’s historical connections and potential future contributions, such as producing a president and participating in Ohaneze-Ndigbo (a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization), justify its inclusion in the Southeast. He firmly believes the pursuit of Anioma State should not be abandoned due to political maneuvering.
Prof Edozien revealed his ongoing efforts to reconcile Senator Nwoko and Senator Nwaoboshi, recounting previous attempts to facilitate dialogue and collaboration. He described the formation of the Delta North progressive group as a platform to foster unity and explore new strategies for collective action, moving beyond past divisions. The recent wave of political defections has, however, complicated the situation, necessitating a recalibration of these efforts. Despite the challenges, Prof Edozien remains committed to mediating between the two senators, even offering to arrange discreet meetings in Abuja.
The Ugo-Anioma Movement, represented by its leader Victor Sorokwu, echoed Prof Edozien’s concerns, urging him to intervene in the dispute between the senators. The group’s advocacy visit aimed to garner support from prominent Anioma figures for the creation of Anioma State and to solidify their backing for Senator Nwoko, the primary champion of this renewed effort. Following the Senate Zonal Public Hearing on the creation of Anioma State held in Ikot-Ekpene and Enugu, the group recognized the urgency of resolving internal conflicts to present a united front.
In recognition of his dedication and contributions to the Anioma cause, Prof Edozien was conferred with the title of Ugo-Anioma Patron by the movement. This gesture symbolized the group’s appreciation for his efforts and solidified his role as a key figure in the pursuit of Anioma State. The event highlighted the collective desire for unity and progress within the Anioma region, underscoring the need for its leaders to transcend personal differences and work together towards a common goal. The future of Anioma, it is hoped, rests on the ability of its leaders to embrace collaboration and prioritize the region’s collective interests above all else.
