Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has criticised Senator Ned Nwoko over his place on the proposed Anioma State, accusing him of pursuing an agenda that would undermine the area’s pursuits.
Okowa made the remarks on Tuesday whereas addressing stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili South Native Authorities Space throughout consultations forward of his 2027 senatorial ambition.
He alleged that Nwoko was scheming to align Anioma with the South-East geopolitical zone and diminish the standing of Asaba as a state capital, a transfer he described as misguided and unacceptable to the individuals of Delta North.
In line with Okowa, the individuals of Anioma are united of their demand for the creation of a separate state throughout the South-South geopolitical zone, comprising the 9 native authorities areas, with Asaba as its headquarters.
“There have been misconceptions and misrepresentations within the media relating to Anioma State,” he stated, stressing that no Anioma indigene is against the state’s creation beneath the South-South framework.
In an obvious reference to Nwoko, Okowa criticised makes an attempt to change the standing of Asaba, noting that vital efforts had been made to ascertain town because the capital of Delta State.
“An Asaba daughter fought for us and immediately we have now Asaba as headquarters. Somebody who doesn’t perceive the way it happened now needs to want it away. That’s unwise,” he stated.
The previous governor additionally faulted Nwoko’s method to the Anioma State marketing campaign, describing it as missing broad session and grassroots enter.
He emphasised the necessity for inclusive dialogue, noting that any profitable push for state creation should mirror the collective will of the individuals.
Okowa additional questioned the timing of Nwoko’s advocacy, stating that legislative processes for state creation weren’t at the moment at a decisive stage.
He warned towards deceptive the general public, insisting that the realisation of Anioma State would rely upon a united place by stakeholders and alignment with constitutional procedures.
He reaffirmed that the demand for Anioma State stays sturdy however should be pursued collectively, in collaboration with the present administration and the individuals of the area.