By Edward Chidi
What transpired today at the Zonal Public Hearing on the Amendment of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Creation of Anioma State held at FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, Ikot-Ekpene (Uyo), Akwa-Ibom State changed my perception of the entire struggle for the creation of ANIOMA STATE. I walked back into my hotel room and became strutted, then, I picked up my pen, and tried to write some few lines before the thoughts to likened Senator Ned Nwoko to the “Moses” of our time struck my mind.
Will he (Ned) become the true Messiah of our era? Only time shall tell. Read on.
Let me take you to the Bible before I drop the bombshell.
In the context of the struggle for freedom, Moses was a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered for leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He was a central figure in the Exodus story, acting as a prophet, teacher and leader. His actions and the events surrounding the Exodus are foundational to the Jewish faith and are also significant in Christianity, Islam, and other Abrahamic religions. I will categorize Senator Ned in two separate testaments. In the old book, he is Moses, while in the new book, he is the Messiah (Jesus of Anioma).
Anyone who misses the Public Hearing today in Akwa-Ibom State should adjust the length of his of her chair and keep the ears widely open to hear the story as it is currently trending. As I write this piece, every lips in Uyo is telling the beautiful story and to sum it up, the sun stood still. Do you know why?
Senator Ned Nwoko took us to one of the finest cities in the entire South South. They truly understand governance in that state. Uyo is a very beautiful place to visit.
One of the Amendment requests at the Public Hearing today changes the narratives of what Anioma State creation will be bringing to the table of other ethnic groups in Delta State. The Bill requested by the Itsekiri(s), on behalf of the Indigenous Minority People of Nigeria, Seek to include in Amendment, the protection of the Rights of the Indigenous Minority People of Nigeria. Additionally, Itsekiri(s) are proposing to make Warri, the Capital of the New Warri. While I am still struggling to give a nod to the above scenario, it became imperative to understand that everything is working for the good of the people of Anioma. Could this be that Senator Ned is the chosen Messiah?
Among the top on the list of Amendment Demand today at Uyo is the Anioma State Creation, Female Gender Increased Representation at the National and State Assemblies and the Granting of Local Governments Full Autonomy. I will preview them one after another for the understanding of the layman.
The hall in the FOUR POINT BY SHERATON was filled to capacity when to the surprise of everyone a bold and courageous woman walked up the stage, pick up the microphone and make a brief introduction of herself to the cheering crowd. To the amazement of we, the spectators, she told us that she is here to make a request for the Amendment in the constitution. Guess the request? THE RESERVED SEAT FOR WOMEN BILL. To the cheering crowd, mainly the women, she has spoken their minds and raised their hope in the Public Hearing and the nation at large.
Mrs. Ebimoboere Alaibe Elezieanya, the South-South Zonal Coordinator for Reserve Seats for Women Bill Initiative said during her presentation that the Bill seeks among other things a special seat to be reserved for women in the public office places. She highlighted section 48 of the 1999 constitution to be amended to increase the number of women at the Senate by adding one special seat at least one per State, including the FCT, Abuja.
The significance of her bold request reflected in the beauty of today’s Public Hearing in Uyo. All thanks to Senator Ned Nwoko.