Anioma State creation will mark victory for marginalised people — Okobah

2026-02-26 - 17:38

....Urges residents to preserve identity, resist political distortion By Henry Umoru ABUJA — A Nigerian U.S.-based lawyer and human rights advocate, Chris Okobah, has called for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as a historic victory for a people he said have long been denied full expression within the Nigerian federation. In a statement issued Thursday and titled “History, Blood, and the Unbroken Identity of Anioma,” Okobah argued that the proposed state would empower the people of Delta North and redefine leadership in the region. He urged residents not to allow political expediency to distort their heritage or weaken their collective aspirations. According to him, Anioma people must remain steadfast in their identity, stressing that they are Igbo and should not renounce that heritage or abandon their quest for statehood. Okobah alleged that opposition to the proposed state stems partly from fears that its creation would be viewed as a defining political achievement for the senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, and could expose years of political stagnation in the area. He accused unnamed political actors of spreading misinformation about the identity of the Anioma people for narrow interests. He maintained that language, culture, and historical experiences affirm the Igbo identity of Anioma communities, citing past tragedies in which people in the region suffered violence after being identified as Igbo. He said such experiences underscore the depth of their heritage and the need to protect it from political revisionism. The human rights advocate added that state creation should not be seen as a personal victory for any individual but as a pathway to development, dignity, and structural balance tailored to the needs of the people. He urged Anioma sons and daughters to reject misinformation and remain united in pursuit of self-determination within Nigeria, emphasizing that the struggle is about future generations and equitable development. Okobah concluded that, if achieved, the creation of Anioma State would stand as a landmark political milestone and a long-awaited affirmation of the people’s identity and aspirations.