A group of writers, including Prof. Pat Utomi, on Thursday reiterated the need for the creation of Anioma State.
The call was contained in a multi-authored book “Anioma in Contemporary Nigeria“ edited by Kunirum Osia which was presented to the public at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book was co-authored by Utomi, Dr. Kunirum Osia, Josua Enueme, Steve Nwabuzor and Ehiedu Iweriebor.
Speaking at the presentation, Utomi said that the creation of a new state would complement government’s developmental efforts.
“If there is unity of purpose, then a people can demand a course and of course the creation of states goes ahead to assist the efforts of the government in both physical and economic sectors,’’ he said.
The Governor of Delta, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, represented by his Commissioner for Information, Mr Chike Ogeah, said his state supported the vision.
Gov. Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by Mr Disu Holloway, Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, said that Lagos was a pacesetter in showcasing unity of culture of a people.
“We always identify with anything that promotes the origin, culture and identity that promotes the development of the nation,’’ he said.??
A Professor Emeritus, Isawa Elaigwu, while reviewing the book said that quality leadership embraced values of equity, fairness and accommodation of various ethnic groups.
Elaigwu noted that the clamour for the creation of the state was a nationalistic struggle for self-determination.
“Groups are becoming more conscious of their identity and their predicaments and are making demands for greater participation in decisions which affect their lives,’’ he said.
According to him, the book focuses on the structural reorganisation and pressures of the Anioma group for additional sub-national states.
“The book, therefore, is an attempt to provide multi-dimensional perspective on Anioma to reveal the uniqueness of its ethnic identity,’’ he said.
NAN reports that the proposed make up of the Anioma State was drawn from Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika-Ibo, Oshimili and some parts of the Igala and Ishan tribes.(NAN)
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