Leaders of the Ukwuani and Ndokwa Elders Forum in collaboration with other key stakeholders, have unequivocally rejected any plans to merge the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in Delta State with any state, including the proposed Anioma State in the South-East geopolitical zone.
The rejection is a response to a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, seeking the creation of Anioma State.
In a communiqué issued after a meeting in Ashaka, Ndokwa East, ULNEF Chairman Chief (Dr.) Dele Omenogor and Secretary Francis Otunuya Idigbe stated that leaders from Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani local government areas stand firmly against any inclusion of their constituency in Anioma State.
The leaders reaffirmed the position of the General Mike Ndubisi-led Ndokwa Neku Union, which opposes Anioma State being established in the South-East. They insisted that if Anioma State must be created, it should remain within the South-South geopolitical zone.
“We stand strongly on the NNU declaration. Our nation will never be part of any state in the South-East but will happily align with any state in the South-South geopolitical zone. We did not ask him to represent us in this instance,” the communiqué declared.
The leaders stressed that merging Ukwuani and Ndokwa people with the South-East would undermine their cultural and regional identity. They called on Senator Nwoko to amend his bill and exclude Ndokwa from the proposed Anioma State.
In their statement, they also urged Senator Jibrin Barau, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to disregard any proposals involving the Ndokwa nation being included in any state outside the South-South.
Further, the communiqué appealed to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies to take action against individuals allegedly attempting to misrepresent the Ndokwa people for political gain. The leaders warned that no form of intimidation or deceit would alter their stance.
“The Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency is an integral part of the South-South geopolitical zone. We will resist any attempt to change this reality,” they asserted. They emphasized that only the NNU, as the legitimate voice of the Ndokwa people, has the mandate to speak on their behalf concerning the creation of Anioma State.
The leaders called on President Bola Tinubu to reject any bill seeking to fraudulently incorporate Ndokwa/Ukwuani into Anioma State. They insisted that their identity, culture, and heritage must remain within the South-South geopolitical zone.
In conclusion, they vowed to explore all lawful means to ensure the Ndokwa/Ukwuani people remain in the South-South, safeguarding their distinct identity and preserving their cultural legacy.
