An Open Letter to Senator Ned Nwoko: Anioma State Agenda and the Need for Genuine Consensus – by Frank Ofili

Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko,

I write to you with sincere respect, but also with deep concern, as an Anioma son who has watched—over many decades—our people’s aspiration for statehood evolve, endure, and remain unfulfilled. Since the 1950s, the call for an Anioma State has been one of the most consistent and passionate political pursuits in Delta North. Many of our past senators and leaders championed this dream with dedication and patience, even though it did not materialize in their time.

Your recent bill for the creation of Anioma State should, by all standards, be a moment of renewed hope. Instead, it has been received with controversy, anxiety, and division among the very people it is meant to serve. It is for this reason that I feel compelled to express my personal concerns and observations about the approach you have adopted.

1, A Major Proposal Without Adequate Consultation

The creation of a state is not a personal project. It is a communal aspiration requiring the voice, consent, and participation of the people for whom the state is being proposed.

Yet many Anioma citizens, stakeholders, traditional leaders, and opinion shapers feel that your proposal—especially the aspect aligning Anioma State with the South-East—was presented without broad consultation or grassroots engagement.

A decision of this magnitude affects the identity, political alignment, and developmental trajectory of the entire region. It cannot be validly championed without town hall meetings, stakeholder dialogues, consultations with cultural groups, and alignment with local leadership. On this front, sir, you acted too unilaterally.

2. Failure to Consult South-South Colleagues

Anioma is currently part of the South-South geopolitical zone. Any legislative attempt to move us into another zone (whether or not well-intentioned) must involve real dialogue with your colleagues from the South-South.

The absence of such consultation not only weakens the credibility of your bill but creates avoidable tension between Anioma and its sister communities in the region. A project of this political weight demands consensus-building, not surprise announcements.

3. The Rumoured Move to Relocate the Capital From Asaba

Another issue that has generated unease is the widespread rumour that the capital of a potential Anioma State may be relocated from Asaba. While this may or may not reflect your intentions, the lack of clarity and communication from your end allows the rumour to grow, fueling distrust and suspicion.

If indeed such a move is being considered, the people deserve transparency. If it is not true, they deserve reassurance. Silence only complicates matters.

4. A Perception of Forcefulness and Bullying

Sir, even your supporters acknowledge that your current style of engagement—public statements, media appearances, and reactions to critics—comes across as forceful and dismissive of opposing views.

This perception may not reflect your true intentions, but it matters. Anioma people want a leader who listens, not one who pushes. A legislator can be firm, but must also be respectful, patient, and open to debate, especially on a matter so emotionally charged and historically significant. Leadership is not only about conviction; it is also about temperament.

5. Concerns About Personal Ambition

There is also a growing perception, rightly or wrongly, that your push for Anioma State is intertwined with your personal political ambition, particularly the desire to be the first governor if the state is created.

I make no accusations. Ambition is not inherently wrong. But when the people begin to feel that their decades-old dream is being used as a stepping stone rather than a shared mission, trust erodes. And once trust is lost, even the best proposals falter.

Your actions, sir, must clearly reflect that you put Anioma first – not your political future.

6. The Need for Collaboration, Not Division

Anioma State cannot be created through bulldozing, unilateral decisions, or disregard for divergent opinions.

If we are to succeed where past generations did not, we need unity of purpose. We need consultation. We need respect for process. Most importantly, we need leadership that brings people together rather than pushing them apart.

This is not your project. This is our identity, our history, and our collective dream.

My Appeal to You

Senator Ned Nwoko, you have taken a bold step, and for that you deserve acknowledgment. But boldness without buy-in will only create resistance. I appeal to you:

• Return home and consult the people.
• Convene meetings with traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, and civil society.
• Clarify your intentions openly — including on the capital and geopolitical alignment.
• Rebuild trust through humility and dialogue.
• Pursue the Anioma State agenda with transparency, collaboration, and genuine respect for the people you represent.

Anioma deserves a state.

Anioma deserves unity.

Anioma deserves a process driven by the people, not imposed on them.

Senator, you can still correct course. You can still lead this movement with dignity and collective support. But to do so, you must listen. You must engage. You must carry us along.

With respect and concern, sir.

Frank Ofili