BY
STEVE AGWO OKECHA
I have had cause to discuss issues pertaining to our land in the past with unalloyed patriotism, such issues as:
• The merging of
Ukwuani and
Ndosumili Districts
• The 2006 census
• Our identity
• The way forward for
our people
The matter of creation of state never really crossed my mind. However, I did once fraternise with the Isokos, the Itsekiris and the I jaws to agitate for Coast State. In the process, I presented a powerful paper in the house of former Commissioner J.O.S. Ayomike, the Itsekiri Leader, at Warri. There, I suggested that Kwale should be the state capital, and that the capital territory should stretch towards Ozoro. I was always sought after, to make vital contributions. Hon. Justice James Obi, our man, was also in the eminent group.
Thereafter, all agitations for state creation fizzled out with the passage of time.
No sooner had the Fourth Republic taken off than our senator started to focus on what was dear to his heart: Anioma State Creation. He also did, however, propose the bills for the eradication of mosquitoes throughout Africa; for the introduction of common currency in Africa. No single person, NOT even a president, can embark on such ventures. These are continental matters that can only be handled unanimously by the African Union.
The only Nigerians who saw any sense in what the senator was doing were MAINLY human beings from our land. The VERY hungry, jobless, shameless, unrefined young and old men and women were recruited by the senator to launder his image. Some of them are tauts, lawyers and even academics, who are now more Igbo than the Igbo. Unfortunately, these aides have done so much damage to the senator’s public image. All in the name of rascality.
This article aims at advising our jobless youths to go and cultivate cassava in the farms. No shame in farming. And stop chasing the shadows, as Anioma state will NOT see the light of the day. My intention is not to spoil anyone’s day. I am simply being realistic. As we say in Latin, “Verbum sat sapienti est”— A word is enough for the wise. If my position turns your stomach, rush to the lavatory. Again and again and again.
I am sad that a number of university graduates from our communities comment on constitutional matters when, in fact, they have not seen a copy of the Nigerian Constitution.
Recently, a few senators had expressed doubt about state creation in Nigeria, saying that the exercise is cumbersome, more or less impossible, in accordance with the dictates of the Constitution. Personally, I had repeatedly said so before, times without number, but some of our people, believe erroneously, that the president can single-handedly create a state. This is far beyond any president. Read the Constitution.
In my view, the Senate public hearing on state creation is the usual game. The Senate, as always, acts a play from time to time; it is a game they play to hoodwink people. We are now familiar with their orchestrated obubuyaya. This explains why our people were denied the opportunity to present our position at Uyo and Enugu.
My brothers and sisters, the clamour for Anioma state is TRANSACTIONAL, in my estimation. Yes, it is business. If it is not, why is the inclusion of Anioma state in the South East a do or die affair? Many years ago, I delivered a marathon speech at a colloquium attended by the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien and Dr Emmanuel Efeizomor, Obi of Owa Kingdom, at Grand Hotel, Asaba. Present also were other key Delta North traditional rulers, academics, politicians and other prominent citizens. In my submission, I said emphatically that any state to be created for Delta North, should NOT exceed ONE INCH beyond the Niger Bridge. We should not be fooled anymore. Enough is enough. Believe me, by the beginning of the first quarter of next year, no Nigerian will be talking about state creation. I am not joking. Let’s wait and see.
God bless our land.