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
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