The Anioma Search For A Leader By Emeka Esogbue

The Anioma Search For A Leader  

By Emeka Esogbue

August 15, 2011

Although, the sub-groups that make up Anioma found social camaraderie before now, Anioma has not fused to the extent that a central leader would emerge for the region. Even then, the region is yet to produce a governor in the state it found itself since 1991. From the Anioma region that produced Chief Dennis Osadebe early enough to a region that championed the creation of Midwestern Region, Anioma has somewhat been relegated to the backyard of political theatre so that its leaders are now merely satisfied with playing rubber-stamp roles in the hands of other ethnic groups in the state. It is consequently necessary to ask why the Anioma leaders suddenly dropped from the ladder of political leadership.

Chief Dennis Ifechukwude Osadebay can be regarded as one of the greatest leaders of Anioma extraction. He was the Premier of Mid-Western region of Nigeria who made quality contributions towards the emergence of social reunification of the sub-tribes and credited with the coinage of the name “ANIOMA”. The Asaba-born sage through hard-work rose to become the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1952; Senate-President in 1960 and Governor-General of Nigeria in 1961 (Acting). Perceptibly, he was to Anioma what Chief Obafemi Awolowo was to the Yoruba and what Ahmadu Bello was to the Hausa. It will not be out-of-place to attribute “the father of Anioma” to him. His demise left a terrible vacuity on the region as inability to speak with one voice.        

Ironically, the Anioma area now parades copious array of leaders that can serve as a rallying point for the region but none has in actual fact stepped into the shoes once worn by Chief Dennis Osadebay which is startling.

In recent times, it is doubtful whether any Anioma indigene has risen to the political stature of Chief Benjamin Elue, the former Deputy Governor of the state. When hopes were high that he would succeed Chief Ibori as the Governor of the state as done in other states nothing was ever heard. This indescribably disillusioned the Anioma people whose hope of leadership he was hitherto carrying abhorrently diminished. Anioma had lost yet again the 20-year glorious dream to lead the state.

Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien has carried Anioma State hope. The unflagging traditional ruler of Asaba is known to shoulder the socio-political burden of the region. In fact, the Asagba’s palace is the first port of call of Anioma agitation but the royal father’s insistence that Anioma is part of Igbo larger nation by reason of language and common ancestry has continually denied him of the central leadership position due to him since not all Oshimili, Aniocha, Ika and Ndokwa would agree with him. Obi (Senator) Nosike Ikpo was one first generation of illustrious Anioma citizens that worked industriously towards making sure that the voice of the region was heard as a two-term senator in the second republic era. He was also one of the founders of “Movement for the Creation of Anioma State”. For many years, he personally pursued the recognition of a separate state for the people but lacunae in Anioma leadership still exist despite his stature.

Col Okwechime is the President of Izu Anioma. Apparently, he is winning the support of Anioma people with his perceived view that the Anioma are a distinct ethnic group. Anoma Essence once quoted him as emphasizing that “it s not whether we are Igbo speaking or not. When it was time for creation of Anioma State, the Eastern States did not support it, but rather called for further sub-division of already existing states. Anioma is by birth, Ohaneze is by association”. The Ibusa-born Chief appears to have gained the recognition of the Governor of Delta State and has also helped to negotiate some arrangements for the Anioma region.

Chief Philip Asiodu, former Federal Permanent Secretary and Elder statesman has decried the state of disunity in Aniomaland while condemning the lack of infrastructures in the region. Chief Asiodu is a strong supporter of the creation of Anioma State and has never hidden it. The Asaba-born leader has also condemned the south eastern region for doing little or nothing to support the creation of a separate state. He is one of the best candidates for the position. Barr Peter Onyeluka Nwaoboshi is presently the Chairman of People’s Democratic Party, Delta State Chapter; the commissioner known for his political sagacity is another candidate for the leadership of the Anioma region. It is hoped that Barr Nwaoboshi will employ his experience to lead the Anioma people as one indivisible people with one voice while becoming more committed to the Anioma State cause which Anioma people say is overdue.   

Professor Pat Utomi is a well known Anioma name. The economist and former presidential candidate is utterly ripe for the leadership of the region. Anioma is indubitably proud to have Utomi as its illustrious citizen. The highly educated and enlightened professor is a well-known son of Ibusa but the erudite scholar needs to narrow his thoughts down to Anioma to enable his people benefit from him. Anioma people were glad to see the renowned professor recently at Anioma book launch in Victoria Island, Lagos where he advocated for the creation of Anioma State.

Ambassador Ignatius Olisemeka was Minister for Foreign Affairs in the years of office of Gen Abdusalami Abubakar (Retd) as the Head of State of Federal Republic of Nigeria. The vastly talented diplomat helped the nation to enter into negotiations that saw many western nations and international organizations lift sanctions imposed on the country during the Babangida and Abacha years. However, nothing more was heard of him after retirement from public office. However, Anioman was delighted to see this great diplomat receive a national award from the Goodluck Jonathan administration.      

Professor B. I. C. Ijomah is another Anioma believer and a central leadership candidate having given his best to the region. He once nursed the ambition of going for the senate with Benjamin Elue, the former Deputy Governor of the State as his co-campaign coordinator but just how the plan fizzled-out is a matter of discussion for another time. Anioma Political Forum was formed under the chairmanship of Prof Ijomah. Prof Ijomah has given enough to the region of his birth. Daniel Usifo, the Deputy Leader of Delta North Leadership Forum is another rising leader of the Anioma region. He was quoted as saying that he joined the Delta North Leadership Forum because of his belief in the leaders’ forum. Why he is yet to emerge as the region’s leader is flummoxing. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is one Anioma leader being looked upon to step into Anioma’s central leadership shoes. Although, his critics allege that not much has been seen from Dr Okowa as a believer in the agitated Anioma State project, he remains quite a credible candidate at least by fame.    

Dr Newton Chukwukadibie Jibunoh, the Desert Warrior is a household name in Anioma and beyond. This passionate believer in Anioma project is fast emerging as the people’s hope for the central leadership position of the region. He has demonstrated his willingness to lead the nation’s socio-culturally by donating one of his houses to the Obi of Akwukwu Igbo, his hometown in Oshimili North Local Government Area for the use of Ogwa where traditional meetings would hold. The Director in Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture is a proud recipient of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mention Chief Ned Nwoko and Anioma will quickly flash the memory. Ned Nwoko may be the newest rising star of Anioma with passion for the Anioma people. His fame is fast spreading round the region. That Nwoko is a fervent advocate for the agitation for the creation of Anioma State is his asset. He is that politician Anioma indigenes love because of his sense of identification with the Anioma project. Nwoko may as well be on an easy lane leading to the central leadership of the region if he maintains his carriage.

Recently, Arc Kester Ifeadi of the Organization For the Advancement of Culture (OFAAC) was voted “Anioma Man of the Year”, 2012 by Wikinson Publications. His contributions towards Anioma culture speak for him. Dr kunirum Osia is a great Anioma leader with a genuine sense of fervor. The highly intelligent author may well be the leader many are looking up to take up the well sought central leadership position. His quick ability to stand for the region is his quality. Added to the voices echoing from the Diaspora is Lauretta Onochie, one of the leaders of Ndi Anioma Group of Nigeria. Lauretta Onochie has proven that she is more than a woman but the “Anioma soldier” which she known.      

Pundits believe that a central leader is necessary in giving Anioma one voice and pushing her to the path of development. When this is achieved, half of the region’s problems will be solved they enthuse.

First published in Anioma Essence Magazine