—by Chief Kanu Ochiabuto
This message, being a keynote lecture by Chief Kanu Ochiabuto, a retired-but-not-tired banker, on the occasion of the Valentine’s Roundtable by the Anioma State Creation Supporters Movement at Umuahia, Abia State, on Saturday, 15th February 26.
Our lords spiritual and temporal,
Members of the Anioma State Creation Supporters Movement,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to be invited to deliver this keynote address on this occasion of the Valentine Roundtable for the creation of Anioma state. One might want to know or ask the significance or correlation of Anioma state and Valentine’s Day. For me, Valentine stands for spiritual and temporal love and Goodwill. Anioma stands for love, goodwill, and progress for Ndigbo and Nigerians.
The creation of the Anioma state will be one of the greatest landmarks for Ndigbo and Nigeria. The state is viable, a home for all Nigerians, and a developmental epicenter for all Nigerians. A look into the history of state creation agitations in Nigeria will show that Anioma state has been the foremost agitation over others, starting from the 1930s till date. The colonial rulers of Nigeria wrongly placed Anioma and created a lacuna with their kith and kin, East of the Niger. This continued till date despite the efforts byvAnioma stakeholders in the past.
Today, there is a great opportunity to do the right thing by creating Anioma state. Yes, some persons in both Anioma land and South East are not comfortable with the creation of Anioma state or placing it in the South East. For me, the first thing first is to create the state, and in which zone it will finally be will be agreed upon thereafter. But it must be made clear that the key essence of the creation of a state in this dispensation is to address the structural marginalization of the South East, which has the least number of states and local government areas in Nigeria
I want to commend Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial zone, for his initiatives and commitment to the creation of Anioma state. History will give him kudos at the right time. I call on all stakeholders in the South East, Anioma land, National and state Assemblies to support the creation of Anioma state, as a Referendum soon be held for its creation. I also call on President Bola Tinubu, who is well disposed to the creation of Anioma state, to bring it to fruition
I want to thank all members of Anioma State Creation Supporters Movement who organized this event in the ancient town of Umuahia in Abia state. I am happy to see some members of the Aba State Creation Movement here, which shows that Anioma state is enjoying the support of even some people who are agitating for their own states within the South East
I wish us all a Happy Valentine’s Day
Kanu Ochiabuto
Leader, Nzuko Ndigbo and Retired Banker
Ochiabuto is from Umuahia, Abia State
