My attention has been drawn to a statement issued by the Forum of Delta North Local Government Chairmen disassociating themselves from a document titled “Request for the Creation of Anioma State in Accordance with Section 8 (1)(a)(i) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended),” which has been widely circulated across official and public platforms.
While the statement may appear disappointing, self-indicting and dismissible on the surface, its implications for public accountability and historical truth require a clear and factual response. Silence in the face of such deliberate misrepresentation would be a disservice to the people and to the integrity of this process.
First, let it be unequivocally stated: there is no forgery, impersonation, or coercion involved in the said document. The claim is false, reckless, and entirely misleading. What we are witnessing is the unfortunate consequence of local government chairmen abdicating their responsibilities to subordinates and political handlers, only to feign ignorance when the gravity of constitutional engagement begins to unfold.
For the record, the said document was formally and individually transmitted to all nine (9) Local Government Chairmen in Delta North. Upon receipt and full understanding of its content and intent, many of the Chairmen instructed their Secretaries or designated officials to sign on their behalf, a practice not uncommon in public administration, especially where delegation of duties has been authorized.
To ensure integrity, transparency, and due diligence in this constitutional process, I, Barrister Festus Alika, a legal practitioner with over 25 years of experience at the bar and a native of Umunede in Ika North East, was specifically despatched on this assignment by the Office of Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko. As his Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) and the Legal Head of the Anioma State Creation Technical Committee, dispatching and retrieving constitutional documents of this nature falls squarely within the scope of my official duties. I did not embark on this journey alone. I was accompanied throughout by Chief Peter Okonkwo of Issele-Asagba, who joined me on visits to all the Local Government Councils.
Separate letters were duly prepared and transmitted individually to traditional rulers, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and the local government chairmen. This was no haphazard engagement. It was deliberate, traceable, and professionally executed.
However, anticipating the familiar pattern of political backpedaling, I insisted that each endorsement be accompanied by the official stamp of the respective councils, to validate authorization and eliminate doubt. That process was meticulously followed. If these Chairmen now disown the endorsements bearing their councils’ stamps and signatures from authorized designates, then they must take that up internally. What they cannot do is falsely accuse others of forgery to mask their own administrative negligence or political indecision.
More importantly, these Chairmen owe the people of Delta North representation, not excuses. They were not elected to sit on the sidelines of history. They were not elected to issue reactive disclaimers. They were elected to defend the interests and aspirations of their constituents, and there is no clearer expression of that aspiration today than the widespread support for the creation of Anioma State.
Leadership demands courage, not evasion. This is a once in a generation opportunity to realize a vision championed by their founding fathers. To choose blind allegiance, petty politics, or self preservation over this moment is not just disappointing, it is a betrayal. The current process is the closest Delta North has come to realizing that dream, and the least expected from any true leader of Anioma descent is clarity of stance, not cowardice or doublespeak.
Underpinning this entire process is the glaring and well considered two state solution. Anioma and Delta, which directly addresses the structural and representational imbalance within the current Delta State. This is not conjecture. It is a clear and viable proposition grounded in logic, historical and cultural identity. Anioma to represent Delta North, and Delta to remain as the political expression of Delta Central and South.
The quest for Anioma State has taken a life of its own, far beyond individual sponsorship or party lines. The people are wiser, more politically conscious, and have taken their destiny into their own hands. This is a project whose time has come, and the people will not sit idly by while fewer than 1,000 individuals attempt to derail or delay the collective aspirations of over 2 million Anioma citizens who have waited far too long to be heard.
This is not about Senator Ned Nwoko. Anioma State has become a national conversation, enjoying widespread support beyond ethnic or political lines. It is being pursued through the constitutionally recognized route, with no shortcuts, no secrecy, and no imposition. It has gained momentum beyond individual influence or partisan gimmicks. And no amount of blackmail, no matter how coordinated, will derail its momentum.
Signed,
Barr. Festus Alika
Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Ned Nwoko
Legal Head, Anioma State Creation Technical Committee
