Prince Tonnie Oganah, the Director of Media for the proposed Anioma State creation movement, has expressed strong confidence in the commitment of the All Progressives Congress toward the creation of Anioma State, insisting that the project is not a political gimmick aimed at deceiving the people.
Speaking during an interview, Oganah dismissed claims that the APC’s support for Anioma State creation was merely a strategy to attract votes ahead of future elections.
According to him, both past and current APC national chairmen have publicly declared their support for the creation of Anioma State, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio has also openly endorsed the proposal.
He further praised Ned Nwoko for what he described as relentless efforts toward achieving the creation of Anioma State.
Oganah expressed optimism that the current National Assembly, working alongside state houses of assembly, would eventually approve the state creation request.
According to him, Anioma State, being predominantly Igbo-speaking, would help address regional imbalance and promote equity within the Nigerian federation.
“Of all the state requests in Igbo land, Anioma is the only one bringing value added to the South-East from the South-South without any acrimony,” he said.
He also argued that the APC’s strong presence across federal and state legislative houses increases the chances of the proposal succeeding.
Commenting on the endorsement of both Anioma State creation and Senator Ned Nwoko’s re-election bid by IZU ANIOMA, Oganah said the support reflected the widespread desire among Anioma people to actualise the long-standing dream of creating the state.
He maintained that Senator Nwoko stands out among other political contenders because of what he described as his legislative achievements and empowerment initiatives.
Oganah highlighted several proposals and interventions associated with Nwoko, including campaigns against malaria, advocacy for monthly stipends for widows and unemployed citizens, demands for the exclusive use of the naira for transactions, calls for limited rent advance payments, and infrastructural projects in Anioma communities.
He also referenced projects such as the Ukpai light project, Ogwashi-Uku water dam, coastal road development in Aboh, and the dredging of the River Niger around Asaba and Onitsha.
According to him, Nwoko’s track record and international experience make him uniquely qualified to continue representing the district.
Oganah further stated that Anioma people had wasted valuable years debating identity and political alignment issues instead of focusing on collective development and state creation.
He described Nwoko as a major force capable of driving economic prosperity and political relevance for the Anioma people and the wider Igbo nation.
