Asaba is an iconic town steeped in arcane history. I documented its significance in a book ” Delta Governor : How Okowa Broke the Jinx”. Much more than an idealized portrait of the first Anioma – born governor of Delta, the concise book co- authored with crusading journalist, Emma Amaize is a narrative on colonial and post colonial experience of the Western Ibos . My recent piece “Asaba : Town Charmed by A Bookish Professor – King” which is a tribute to the monarchical ascendancy of Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, deepened the conversation.
The historical standing of Asaba is too epic to trivialize : First colonial capital of Nigeria ,1886 . Pioneer capital of Delta. Unforgettable theatre of Nigeria’s genocidal war. Read the chilling episode “ The Asaba Massacre: Trauma, Memory, and the Nigerian Civil War “ by Elizabeth Bird and Fraser M. Ottanell.
If Anioma comes now or later, Asaba would remain the capital not by fleeting politics but fastidious precedence.
I saw the original draft of Senator Ned Nwoko’s bill on creation of Anioma state, straight on the creative table. Asaba is designated headquarters in capital letters. I believe that remains his irrevocable stance.
Fantasy hacks inoculating the social media with wild rumours and illusions lack knowledge of history, law and propriety.The ignorant are just scratching an empty surface in vain mischief. But they must take heed : The Rwandan genocide of 1994 and Warri crisis of 1997 over politics of local government relocation were not triggered by vilid points but vile propaganda.
The centric destiny of Asaba predates fake news.
