The Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), the apex socio-cultural and economic organization representing the Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality, comprising the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people has strongly rejected the outcome of the recent public hearing on the creation of Anioma State, describing the process as a “sham” and lacking credibility.
In a statement signed by the Union’s President General, Chief Amechi Asugwuni, and Secretary General, Dcn. Jimoh Egwali, the boby expressed displeasure over the conduct of the July 4th, 2025 public hearing held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where its delegate was denied the opportunity to speak.
The Union maintained that the exclusion of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili voice from such a crucial deliberation renders the outcome invalid, noting that Ndokwa people are the second largest ethnic group in Delta State and the largest in Delta North Senatorial District.
“The NNU laid out its official position on the proposed Anioma State creation after wide consultations with community leaders, traditional institutions, youth representatives, and diaspora stakeholders,” it said.
While saying that the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people welcome the creation of Anioma State, the leadership of NNU insisted that the proposed state must remain within the South-South geopolitical zone, adding that it should align with the historical context of the Mid-Western Region from which the people trace their roots.
It warned that should such a proposal materialize, the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people would opt to remain in Delta State within the South-South.
The statement explained that the Ndokwa Neku Union is the sole and legitimate voice of the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people on matters related to Anioma State creation.
It warned that any parallel representations not accredited by the Union should be disregarded by all relevant stakeholders.
The Union cautioned individuals and groups attempting to speak or act against the collective will of the Ndokwa people, stressing that such attempts would be firmly opposed and resisted.
Addressing issues of historic marginalization, the NNU recalled that the old Aboh Division, from which the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people originate, was shortchanged during previous local government creation exercises.
To correct this, the body said the Union proposed the subdivision of the current three Ndokwa LGAs, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani into a total of nine local government areas. These would be structured to reflect the original identities of Ndosumili and Ukwuani, forming two distinct federal constituencies.
According to the statement, “the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people are not opposed to the creation of Anioma State but demand respect, fairness, and strict adherence to due process.
“Our position is clear: Anioma State is acceptable only within the South-South zone. Any deviation from this will be met with firm resistance.”
The Union urged the Senate Committee overseeing state creation to take this position seriously and ensure it reflects in subsequent deliberations and decisions.
