Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa don tackle Nwoko over Anioma State and reject move to put am for South-East, insisting say Anioma people want their own state for South-South with Asaba as capital.
Okowa yarn this one while addressing APC stakeholders for Oshimili South Local Government Area during consultation for him 2027 Senate ambition.
He accuse Senator Ned Nwoko of trying to push Anioma State into South-East zone and remove Asaba as state capital, something he describe as wrong and misleading.
Anioma must stay for South-South
According to Okowa, people of Delta North no dey against creation of Anioma State, but dem want am remain inside South-South geopolitical zone.
He explain say the proposed Anioma State go include nine local governments, with Asaba as headquarters.
“The Anioma wey our people want na the one wey go stay for South-South, with Asaba as capital,” Okowa talk.
Asaba capital no go change
The former governor also defend Asaba status as capital, saying the city don grow well and nothing fit stop its development.
He criticise Nwoko, saying the lawmaker no understand how Asaba take become capital before suggesting to change am.
“Somebody wey no understand the history wan cancel Asaba as headquarters. That one no make sense,” he add.
Accuse Nwoko of acting alone
Okowa further accuse Nwoko of handling the Anioma State campaign like one-man project without proper consultation with the people.
He stress say any move to create new state must reflect the will of the majority.
“When you no dey carry people along, you fit miss road. We must listen to our people before taking decision,” he say.
Politics behind the debate
The clash between Okowa and Nwoko dey linked to political tension ahead of 2027 Delta North Senate race, as both politicians dey position themselves.
Okowa also warn say nobody should deceive Anioma people with false promises about state creation.
Call for collective decision
He conclude say Anioma State creation go only succeed when the people unite and agree on the structure and location.
According to am, the process must involve the people, the state government and all stakeholders to make am possible.
