Oborevwori, Okowa Not Against Anioma State, Says Ifeajika
Governor’s Aide Rejects Claims of Opposition
THE Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has dismissed suggestions that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa are opposed to the creation of Anioma State.
Speaking during an interview on a television programme, Ifeajika argued that there was no evidence that promoters of the renewed agitation had formally engaged the governor or presented a collective position from the people of Anioma regarding the demand for state creation.
According to him, it would be unfair to accuse the governor of opposing a cause on which he had neither been consulted nor officially briefed.
“A governor must be aware when a section of the state seeks to pursue the creation of a new state. In this instance, there has been no formal engagement or presentation of such a collective position to Governor Oborevwori,” he said.
Okowa’s Position on Anioma State
Addressing claims involving former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ifeajika maintained that the former governor had consistently supported the aspirations and interests of the Anioma people throughout his political career.
He explained that Okowa’s position on the matter had remained clear: any proposed Anioma State should remain within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba serving as its capital.
According to him, the issue should not be framed as a debate over ethnic identity, stressing that the Anioma people remain Igbo irrespective of the geopolitical zone in which they are located.
He cited examples of ethnic groups spread across multiple states, noting that geographical boundaries do not diminish cultural identity or historical heritage.
Call for Broad-Based Consultation
Ifeajika cautioned against turning the state creation debate into a political contest driven by personal ambitions and sectional interests.
He stressed that the creation of a new state must emerge from genuine consensus among stakeholders, including community leaders, political representatives, traditional institutions and the wider population.
According to him, state creation is a serious constitutional process that requires widespread support rather than isolated advocacy.
He maintained that once there is a clearly expressed collective will, government and other stakeholders would naturally lend their support to the process.
Democracy as a Work in Progress
Beyond the Anioma State debate, Ifeajika reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey as the nation marked 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule.
He acknowledged concerns surrounding electoral credibility, human rights and adherence to the rule of law but argued that Nigeria’s democratic institutions continue to evolve and improve.
Describing democracy as a gradual process, he urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the system but to remain actively engaged in governance and electoral participation.
Citizens Must Shape the Future
The governor’s aide warned that voter apathy and political pessimism could weaken democratic development and limit the quality of leadership produced through elections.
He called on citizens to embrace their civic responsibilities, stressing that electoral participation remains one of the most effective ways to influence governance outcomes.
Expressing optimism about the future, he said sustained reforms, improved voter education and greater public engagement would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and deepen public confidence in the political process.
