BY NORBERT CHIAZOR.
Aniocha North is the 22nd most populous local government area in Delta state.
Populated by 104, 711 people, ( 2006 census ) Aniocha North ranks 22nd out of 25 local government areas in Delta , followed by Ndokwa East , Burutu and Patani.
But beyond her modest population, which is even political,, as it is far higher,the council area has the finest strength in Delta – her manpower, her people.
Aniocha North is unarguably the most peaceful local government area in Delta!
A people so cultured and contented in a rowdy state like Delta where contending forces confront the world in all its vulgarities .
Delta political landscape has been characteristically stormy,with its ethnic complexity, a sequel to the power turmoil in Nigeria ‘s political terrain.
While most local government areas in Delta remain acrimonious as hotbed of politics, Aniocha North located in the heart of Anioma ( Delta North) sits pretty in relative peace. While majority of the councils repeatedly witnessed sundry social and electoral violence since the creation of Delta in 1991, the human experience of Aniocha North had been markedly calm.
Even as “sister”council areas across Delta North , Delta central and Delta South senatorial districts especially places like Ughelli North,Ethiope East,Uvwie ,Udu. Warri south, Bomadi,Oshimili south, Ukwuani, Isoko North and South among others had been rattled with bloody mayhem at different times,conflicts in Aniocha North remained marginal.
While Delta North is generally mellow by nature as a land of temperance,
Aniocha North takes the lead as the Mecca of tranquillity in plural Delta.
This has been exemplified particularly in the political experience of the local government area.
Since 1999, politics and elections in Aniocha North has followed a pattern- peaceful,orderly and magnanimous ,even in the most challenging climate of bipartisan rivalry, common in democratic power tussle.
After most polls ,winners and losers quit the campaign podium in tolerance, looking forward to tomorrow, as contiguous Aniocha people retreat in brotherhood.
Now Delta local government elections are scheduled for March 6th 2021 and Aniocha North never had so good.
The people’s Democratic Party PDP is the dominant political block in Aniocha North,nay Delta.
Today, Aniocha North biggest political leaders are rallying PDP in unprecedented solidarity. From former deputy governors, national lawmakers,state legislators ,cabinet members , billionaires, power amazons and so on, PDP has a towering intimidating stature in Aniocha North. Names like Chief Benjamin Elue, Hon.Ndudi Elumelu, Prince Ned Nwoko, Chief Patience Nkem (Aguwanyi) Okwuofu, Professor Sylvester Monye, Emeka Nwaobi, Chief Mrs.Josephine Kachikwu….are all in a bandwagon of goodwill for PDP.
They met in Obior community weeks ago, first time in recent history where all PDP stakeholders in Aniocha North are united for a common front.
While common heritage and party affinity may have strengthened the resolve of the Aniocha North most important leaders, Governor Okowa’s ascendancy to power and the outcome for the people of Aniocha North clearly inspired the unity and optimism.
Within the past five years in office,the Okowa administration has changed the face of Aniocha North with the provision of social infrastructure and human capital development.
Several communities in the local government area, comprising the three clans of Ezechima,Idumuje and Odiani had been linked with massive road networks and related amenities, transforming the Aniocha axis into appreciably modern settlements.
Hundreds of Aniocha North indigenes have gained political appointments and social relevance under Governor Okowa, even with the physical make over of the area, fortunes never experienced since the creation of Delta about three decades ago. Reciprocating with responsiveness, State political appointees from Aniocha North ( SPAAN) coordinated by commissioner Ifeanyi Michael Egwunyenga recently mobilized their hard earned personal resources to pay WAEC enrollment fees of secondary students in the area.A novel salutary initiative of power with responsibility.
It was hence with an overwhelming feeling of pride and fulfillment that Aniocha North political leaders flagged off campaigns for the March 6th Delta local government elections at Issele Uku, headquarters of the council .
The campaign is headed by popular member of Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Engineer Emeka Nwaobi as chairman, while an ebullient young man with political clout, Hon. Emma Chinye is the Director General.
The strategic communication campaign is headed by one of Governor Okowa’s best commissioners, Comrade Ifeanyi Micheal Egwunyenga , cabinet member in charge of youth development. The crowning glory of the Aniocha North campaign is the public declaration by all the LG chairmanship aspirants led by Comrade Bolum Okwuchi to unite and work for PDP triumph, an uncommon spirit of sportsmanship alien to local politics.
Two figures, an illustrious son and daughter are the official mascots of the 2021 Aniocha North council election race.The PDP Chairmanship candidate is a tested politician ,Hon. Kevin Okwechime while the vice chairmanship candidate is Princess Tina Amuamuziam, much acclaimed beautiful bride of Nollywood and passionate advocate of gender mainstreaming.
Together with 20 councilors, they promised good governance to Aniocha North with a vision to unite the people towards prosperity.
Their collective pledge is reassuring coming in an era when local government leadership is generally inept, aloof and colourless. For Aniocha. North,PDP is set to win by popular democracy-the ballot. Kevin and Tina in embracing power must make a paradigm shift away from mediocrity and give service that commands integrity and accountability.
Delta is looking up to Aniocha North.
CHIAZOR is Media Aide to Governor Okowa.