Ndokwa and Ukwani Leaders Reject Proposed Anioma State Merger: Strong Opposition to Merging with South-East

In a powerful statement, the leaders of the Ukwani and Ndokwa Elders Forum (ULNEF), joined by key stakeholders, have emphatically opposed any attempt to merge the Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency with the proposed Anioma State in the South-East. This rejection comes in response to a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and aims to create Anioma State.

The communiqué, issued by Chief (Dr.) Dele Omenogor and Francis Otunuya Idigbe, Chairman and Secretary of ULNEF respectively, followed a significant meeting held in Ashaka, Ndokwa East. The leaders, representing the Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwani local government areas, made it clear that they stand united in rejecting the merger. They reiterated the position of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), which opposes the creation of Anioma State in the South-East. According to them, if Anioma State is to be established, it must be within the South-South geopolitical zone.

The leaders voiced their strong disapproval of the proposal to merge the Ukwani and Ndokwa-speaking people with the South-East, fearing it would lead to the erosion of their unique cultural and regional identity. They were clear in their message that the Ndokwa/Ukwani people do not want to be absorbed into Anioma State, as outlined in Senator Nwoko’s bill.

“Ndokwa people do not support being part of the South-East. If the Anioma State bill includes us, we urge Senator Nwoko to withdraw it,” the communiqué declared. It went on to emphasize the collective stance of the Ndokwa people, stating that they would align with any state within the South-South geopolitical zone but would never consent to being part of the South-East.

Additionally, the leaders called on high-ranking political figures, including Senator Jibrin Barau, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, and Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, to reject any attempts to include Ndokwa in a state outside the South-South region. The leaders also appealed to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies to take action against those allegedly attempting to misrepresent the Ndokwa people for political gain.

“The Ndokwa/Ukwani Federal Constituency belongs to the South-South, and we will resist any effort to change that. Only the Ndokwa Neku Union has the mandate to speak for us on this matter,” the leaders asserted.

In a final call, the leaders urged President Bola Tinubu to reject any bill that seeks to include Ndokwa/Ukwani in Anioma State, stressing the importance of preserving their cultural identity, heritage, and place within the South-South geopolitical zone. The Ndokwa and Ukwani communities vowed to use all legitimate means to fight any attempt to alter their regional affiliation.