Senator Ned Nwoko’s Call for Igbo Unification: A Push for Anioma Identity and Unity

   Senator Ned Nwoko’s Call for Igbo Unification: A Push for Anioma Identity and Unity

On September 6, 2025, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the Nigerian Senate, delivered a compelling address at a conference in Asaba, Delta State, organized by the Igbo Unification Movement and the Ndi na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation. Themed “Igbo Bu Ofu” (Igbos are One), the event aimed to foster cultural, historical, and political unity among Igbo-speaking people. Nwoko’s speech centered on urging the Anioma people of Delta State to embrace their Igbo identity, unite with their eastern counterparts, and support the creation of Anioma State. This article by Family Writers Press International explores the significance of Nwoko’s call for Igbo unification, its historical context, and its implications for Nigeria’s cultural and political landscape.

The Call for Igbo Unification: Senator Nwoko’s address was a rallying call for the Anioma people comprising communities in Delta North such as Aniocha, Oshimili, Ika, and Ndokwa to fully embrace their Igbo heritage. Drawing on his background in history, Nwoko asserted, “There is no argument about our Igboness. I understand history very well. I have a degree in history. I know the migration of the Igbo people, and I know clearly that we, the Anioma, are Igbo.” He urged the Anioma to reverse decades of narratives that distanced them from their Igbo kin across the Niger River, emphasizing that unity is essential for cultural revival and political survival. The Igbo Unification Movement and Ndi na Asu Bia, the conference organizers, have emerged as vocal advocates for uniting Igbo-speaking communities, including those in Delta, Edo (Igbanke), and other border areas. Their mission is to reclaim a collective Igbo identity, which they argue has been fragmented by colonial boundaries, geopolitical divisions, and historical traumas. Nwoko commended their courage and vision, noting that their work aligns with his long standing advocacy for Anioma’s recognition as an Igbo entity.

A pivotal element of Nwoko’s speech was his reference to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), during which he said Anioma faced ethnic cleansing and were forced to deny their Igbo identity to survive. Recalling his childhood experiences, Nwoko highlighted the lingering identity crisis from this era, calling for “truth and reconciliation” to heal these wounds. The war, marked by violence against Igbo populations, including the infamous Asaba Massacre of 1967 where hundreds of Igbo civilians were killed by Nigerian federal troops, left deep scars in Anioma. Nwoko’s assertion of ethnic cleansing underscores the trauma of being targeted for their Igbo identity, which led some communities to distance themselves from Igbo affiliations for safety. This historical context frames Nwoko’s call for unification as both a cultural reclamation and a corrective measure. By embracing their Igbo roots, Anioma can overcome the forced dissociation imposed during the war, fostering a sense of pride and solidarity with the broader Igbo nation.

Advocacy for Anioma State: Central to Nwoko’s unification message is his push for the creation of Anioma State, a proposal he has championed in the National Assembly. The bill, which has passed its first and second readings, seeks to carve out a state from Delta North, with Asaba as its capital. Nwoko emphasized that this agitation is not driven by personal or partisan ambitions, stating, “This is not about APC, PDP, or Labour Party. It is about identity, justice, and fairness. I have no interest in being governor, but I want Anioma to stand tall with its own state.” He aligned this vision with the aspirations of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo socio-cultural organization, which recognizes Anioma as an Igbo state. The creation of Anioma State would address the Southeast’s underrepresentation, as it currently has only five states compared to six or seven in other geopolitical zones. This disparity affects federal resource allocation and political influence. By adding a sixth state, potentially aligned with the Southeast, Anioma could enhance Igbo political clout and fulfill a long-standing demand for equity.

Broader Implications for Igbo Unity: Nwoko’s call extends beyond Anioma, advocating for a unified Igbo identity across Nigeria. He drew a global analogy, stating, “The Igbo man is Igbo everywhere, whether from Delta, Imo, or Abia. Just like a Chinese man remains Chinese anywhere in the world.” This universalizing perspective seeks to transcend regional divisions, positioning Igbo identity as a cohesive force for political relevance and cultural pride. Nwoko urged advocacy groups to continue their efforts in education and mobilization, emphasizing that collective action is key to realizing the dream of a united Igbo nation. The conference itself, themed “Igbo Bu Ofu,” reflects a growing movement to bridge divides among Igbo speaking communities. Organizations like the Igbo Unification Movement argue that reclaiming a shared identity corrects historical distortions, such as colonial map drawing that separated Igbo groups into different regions. Nwoko also praised academics like Professor Abigail Ogwezzy of the University of Lagos, whose research on Anioma’s linguistics and history reinforces its Igbo roots, providing scholarly backing to the unification effort.

Challenges and Criticisms: While Nwoko’s call has resonated with many, it faces challenges. Some Anioma subgroups, such as the Ika and Ukwuani, claim mixed or distinct ethnic origins (e.g., Edo, Igala), and may resist being labeled Igbo. Posts from social media sources indicate resistance from some Delta communities, with critics like Basil Okoh accusing Nwoko of promoting an Igbo centric agenda that overlooks Anioma’s diverse heritage. 

The Path Forward: To advance the Igbo unification movement, Nwoko and supporting organizations must address these challenges through inclusive dialogue and robust evidence. Engaging Anioma’s diverse subgroups in consultations can ensure the statehood movement reflects their aspirations, not just an Igbo narrative. Documenting historical claims, such as ethnic cleansing, with survivor accounts and academic research (e.g., on the Asaba Massacre) can strengthen the case for reconciliation. 

Senator Ned Nwoko’s call for Igbo unification, delivered at the “Igbo Bu Ofu” conference, is a bold step toward cultural reclamation and political equity. By urging Anioma to embrace its Igbo identity and advocating for Anioma State, Nwoko seeks to heal historical wounds, including the ethnic cleansing faced during the Nigerian Civil War, and strengthen Igbo unity across Nigeria.