THE PRESS STATEMENT BY THE NDOKWA NEKU UNION (NNU) ON ANIOMA STATE CREATION

We acknowledge the press statement issued by the leadership of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) dated July 4, 2025, concerning the public hearing on the creation of Anioma State. While we respect the right of all ethnic nationalities and interest groups to express their views on matters of constitutional significance, it is important to offer a factual, objective, and constructive clarification in response to the claims made in the said publication.

1. ON THE ALLEGATION OF A “SHAM” PUBLIC HEARING:

It is both regrettable and misleading to characterize the recent public hearing as a “sham.” The hearing, organized by the relevant Senate Committee, led by Distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, followed established legislative protocols and was attended by diverse stakeholders from Delta North and beyond. The claim that the exercise was conducted with “impunity” and “no regard” for public opinion is inaccurate. Numerous ethnic nationalities, community representatives, and civil society actors were present, and their voices were duly noted. The opportunity for participation was extended to all, and any logistical shortcomings cannot be equated to deliberate exclusion or lack of transparency.

2. ON THE ALLEGED EXCLUSION OF THE NNU DELEGATE:

While we regret any instance where a delegate was unable to speak due to time constraints or administrative challenges, this does not equate to a deliberate marginalization of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people. It is instructive to note that several memoranda were submitted in writing—including by groups affiliated with the Ndokwa people. These documents are now part of the official record under consideration by the Committee. Therefore, it is untrue to state that the voices of the Ndokwa people were completely unheard.

3. ON REPRESENTATIONAL AUTHORITY AND INTERNAL DIVERSITY:

The assertion that only the NNU has the sole legitimate voice for the Ndokwa ethnic nationality must be approached with caution. While the NNU is a respected cultural body, it is not the exclusive representative of all Ndokwa citizens—many of whom hold diverse opinions. Democratic engagement, particularly on constitutional matters, must allow for plurality of thought. Attempting to suppress alternative viewpoints, even within the same ethnic block, contradicts democratic principles.

4. ON THE DEMANDS FOR ADDITIONAL LGAs AND ZONAL RECLASSIFICATION:

The historical concerns regarding local government creation are well noted. However, the restructuring of local government areas and federal constituencies is a broader constitutional matter that requires due legislative processes and the involvement of the National Assembly, National Population Commission, and Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission. Proposing the multiplication of LGAs and new federal constituencies must be backed by verifiable demographic data, viability studies, and wide stakeholder consensus—not unilateral proclamations.

Furthermore, the demand for the proposed Anioma State to be placed within the South-South geopolitical zone, while a legitimate sentiment, must be pursued through constructive engagement, not ultimatums. State boundaries and zonal classifications are national matters, requiring broader national consensus and cannot be dictated by one group alone.

5. ON THE TONE OF THE STATEMENT:

We urge caution in the use of threatening language, such as “vehemently opposed and resisted,” especially when referring to fellow citizens or representatives who may hold a different view. This approach undermines the spirit of democratic dialogue and mutual respect that should guide sensitive conversations around identity, equity, and development.

CONCLUSION:

We affirm the rights of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people—like all others—to fairness, identity, and equitable development. However, this must be pursued through dialogue, mutual respect, and lawful engagement. The Anioma State Creation remains a collective aspiration of the Delta North region, and its realization depends on unity, not division. We therefore invite all stakeholders, including the leadership of the NNU, to continue engaging constructively for the common good of Anioma and Delta State as a whole.

Signed : Concerned Stakeholders for a United Anioma state 

 9th July 2025