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By Norbert Chiazor.

I read with keen interest Diokpa Nwankwo T. Nwaezeigwe’s treatise on Senator Ned Nwoko’s Bill proposing the creation of Anioma state.

Senator Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly primarily seeks Anioma creation to be included in the South East to correct “geopolitical imbalance” in Nigeria’s federal structure.Today Anioma is a constituent of Delta State created on 27 August, 1991 as part of the six states of the South South zone.

Nwaezeigwe took umbrage that the Senator wants Anioma to join Anambra, Abia Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi to become the sixth state in South Eastern Nigeria.

Democracy confers liberty of free speech. One would have excused Nwaezeigwe for his dissenting voice.

But he crossed the bounds of decency and enlightened discourse by attacking the religious proclivity, personality and private life of Senator Nwoko.

How does Nwoko’s fervent call amount to Nwaezeigwe labelling him a “Muslim Igbo Senator representing the core interest of Sokoto Caliphate among the predominantly Christian Igbo of Delta State”?

What gross intolerance for a self styled sectarian leader who identifies himself as “President, International Coalition against Christian Genocide in Nigeria (ICAC-GEN)”

By raising false spurious hoopla over Nwoko’s religious preference, Nwaezeigwe immediately rubbishes his ’ICAN-GEN’ and leaves a yawning question mark on the essence of the little known Christian organization.

Ghen ghen! So a man abhorrent of genocide does not want another man to practice his religion in peace? Crude hypocrisy.

Senator Nwoko is a true Nigerian. He has friends all over the country including Sokoto. Pan-Nigerian, exemplary patriot and completely detribalised.

If Nwaezeigwe is a religious fanatic, cocooned by xenophobia, Nwoko remains openly cosmopolitan and can never be a jihadist. But should Nwaezeigwe insist on stoking jihad, he can lead a crusade to Sambisa forest.

The unkindest cut is his awful claim that “it is in agreement with this core Fulani interest that Senator Ned Nwoko placed his mother-in-law Mrs. Rita Daniels as Women Leader of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu-led Ohaneze Ndigbo”

Whatever position Mrs Rita Daniels earned today is by dint of diligence with her acclaimed exploits in Nigeria’s creative Nollywood industry.

Nwaezeigwe bears the title “ Odogwu of Ibusa”. His acrid outburst against Nwoko is regrettably infra dig, for his chieftaincy status.

What is the problem of Nwaezeigwe with Ohaneze Ndigbo? Is he wiser than the more experienced and visionary Ralph Uwechue, the late Ogwashi-born Anioma renowned diplomat who once served as President General of the apex Igbo body?

He rambled further that the “major concern of the people is food on their tables and security of their lives and property…”
Glib lamentation,akin to singing to a choir.Who will inform Nwaezeigwe that Senator Nwoko has devoted substantial time out of his one year stay so far at the National Assembly,championing advocacy against insecurity and banditry in Nigeria.

Nwoko’s charity is in the public domain.He feeds thousands regularly whether in his Idumuje- Ugboko country home or Abuja abode.A sizeable population enjoys his scholarships as well as skill acquisition packages, for women and youths towards self sustenance and poverty reduction.Who did Nwaezeigwe help?

On the central issue of Anioma state creation,Senator Nwoko knows the agitation predates his bill.As a lawyer/historian,he fully understands that the clamour is the oldest in Nigeria,dating to the 1960s.

In his presentation,he eloquently acknowledged the pioneering efforts of the late Asagba of Asaba ,Obi professor Chike Edozien and Obi of Owa,HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II among others.He never at any time claimed to be the “ pioneer initiator” as balefully assumed by Nwaezeigwe.

Senator Nwoko’s call for inclusion of Anioma in South East is a plain innocuous urge based on contiguity and equity.He is a refined democrat.South South or South East, he believes that the final decision lies with the people.

His quest for Anioma stands as the larger picture.So beautiful.

Nwaezeigwe’s Ibusa kinsman, unforgettable Senator Nosike Ikpo now late, advocated in the 1980s for the creation of Anioma while working in the Joint committee of House and Senate under the chairmanship of Senator Barkin Zuwo.

Why attack a pleasant
progressive movement? Nwaezeigwe is obviously not more Anioma than Ikpo and Nwoko.

Fair and square,Anioma people across all quarters are very proud of Senator Ned Nwoko for his potent voice and actions since he went to represent them at NASS a year ago.A saving departure from ugly yesterday when Delta North was pitiably patterned in ridicule.

Among the discerning,the suspicion is rife…Could there be something more to Diopka Nwaezeigwe’s diatribe of malice?

Is Nwaezeigwe whining because one of his kindred failed to offer what Senator Ned Nwoko is getting to Anioma – excellent scandal free representation?

Chiazor a veteran journalist writes from Asaba