By  Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Anioma National Council, ANC, has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to actualise the dreams of the Anioma people of Delta State by creating an Anioma State for them.

The group made the call in a statement jointly signed by  its Deputy Leader, Chief Joe Obuseh, and  Secretary General, Chief Terry Otuya.

According to ANC: “We note that the struggle for the creation of Anioma  State dates back to 1991 during which time Delta State, rather than Anioma State was created out of the old Bendel State .

“In the run up to the 2011 elections agitators for the creation of new states are up-beat and optimistic that additional states will be created during the current legislative session. We hope Anioma will be considered.”

It noted that “to compensate the Anioma people, Asaba was chosen as the capital of the newly created state.

“We are not satisfied with Asaba being state capital as there is much more to gain from having our own state.

“The agitation for Anioma State has continued and will be sustained until we succeed. Anioma has what it takes to be a state being blessed with both natural and human resources and vast land mass inhabited by contiguous people,” it further stated

The ANC added that the orgainsation in conjunction with its traditional rulers and the good people of Anioma hopes that President Jonathan will actualize their dreams.

“We dream of an ANIOMA State which shall become our homeland state for our people from generation to generation. A state that will offer us the opportunity to realise our economic, social, cultural and political potentials,” it added.