News
Anioma State Creation will address marginalisation of South East region
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko has disclosed that senators from Delta, South East and other stakeholders have lend their support to the creation of Anioma state to correct perceived marginalisation of south east geo-political zone.
It will be recalled that a bill to create Anioma state had passed first reading in the Senate on July 2.
Speaking in an interview in Abuja on Wednesday, the sponsor of the bill, Nwoko said the bill seeks to alter provisions of 1999 Constitution (as amended) to create Anioma state.
Senator Nwoko said the south-east geopolitical zone currently has five states, unlike its counterparts, which have six each, except for the North- West, which has seven states.
Revealing that the creation of Anioma state has received wide support from major stakeholders, Nwoko said the two other senators from Delta state, Ede Dafinone (Delta Central and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) support the creation of the state. For me, that is a big support.
“I have gotten support from most of the senators from the south east as well and I know that I will get support from across the country.
“The Izu Anioma, which is the umbrella group of all Aniomas are saying we want it, the Ikpe Anioma says we want it.”
Nwoko dismissed report by a group alleging that he did not consult wildly before presenting the bill for creation of Anioma state for first reading.
He said the call for creation of Anioma state was timely and has to happen for various reasons, adding that the eventual creation will address years of concerns, challenges of Ndigbo in Nigeria.
“The most important one is that there is the urgent need to address the injustice, the years of crying of marginalisation by Ndigbo generally.
“It is a huge population in Nigeria, but they only have five states, and so, it will make six states of Ndigbo.
“It is a very long fight, for the quest for Anioma has taken 50 years from the time of Dennis Osadebe.
“There may not be many states created in Nigeria under this dispensation, but certainly, there is an urgent need to create one to address the imbalance.
“It is hoped that when it is done it will assuage the cries of the Igbos because since after the war there has been so many cries of been marginalised of injustice.
“So it is only equitable that it is done because it will deal with the crisis, the killings the violence, the seat at home issues among other issues.”
He said there was the need to bring a lasting solution to issues in the region. “We are looking at finding the solution to crisis, you don’t create a state for the fun of it, no, you create a state to address a particular issue of concern”.
He said Nigeria now has a president who is determined to right wrongs of the past, because it is important to do so and “the government want to solve the problem of the south east”.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).
President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.
The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.
He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.
The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.
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