Okpai Power Plant: Senator Nwoko Should Partner with Federal Government and Other Stakeholders (OPINION)

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq

The Okpai Power Plant, located in Delta State, Nigeria, has been a subject of discussion in recent times, particularly with Senator Ned Nwoko’s calls for its completion.

While the senator’s enthusiasm for the project is commendable, it is essential to clarify the ownership structure, and the role of stakeholders involved.

The Okpai Power Plant is a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), and other multinational companies. The federal government has a significant stake in the project, making it a national asset rather than a state-owned initiative.

Recently, Senator Nwoko was reported to have berated Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, over the completion of the power plant. However, this approach is misguided, as the Delta State Government does not have direct control over the project.

Governor Oborevwori is a Justice of the Peace, and his visionary leadership is never in doubt. He owes no one apology over his prudent management of Delta State resources and can neither be intimidated nor coerced by Senator Nwoko and his associates.

Since assuming office as Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Oborevwori has shown capacity, wisdom and equity in the award of contracts, spread of development and political appointments spread across the three senatorial districts: Delta Central, Delta North and Delta South, respectively.

The Warri stadium project is a task that must be done, because of its economic benefits for Deltans. It will be upgraded to a world class sports facility to provide jobs and create wealth for our teeming youths, sportsmen and women.

Senator Nwoko does not have the inherent or constitutional powers to dictate how Governor Oborevwori should govern the state. The governor welcomes constructive criticism but with a caveat. Such criticisms must be devoid of arrogance, disrespect and derogatory statements.

From all indications, Senator Nwoko’s derogatory statement against Governor Oborevwori is not the position of the good people of Delta North. The immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, is the authentic leader of Delta North Senatorial District, and he’s obviously on the same page with Governor Oborevwori.

The Senator cannot and should never suggest to the Governor how the state’s federal allocation should be applied to projects.  At best, Nwoko should wait until he becomes the first governor of Anioma State, his pet project.

Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated positive willpower to do the needful for the development of the three senatorial districts and the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people. Senator Nwoko lacks the moral and legal justification to dictate to Oborevwori how the state should be governed. Where was he during the immediate past administration? Why was he muted, only to spread out in this dispensation?

Throughout the 8 years, Delta North took her turn on power rotation to governor of the state through Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, Delta Central political gladiators and stakeholders watched how development played out for Delta Central Senatorial District. The result is there for all Deltans to see. Nwoko was completely muted.

Senator Nwoko must be told that Delta North is not the only relevant Senatorial District in Delta State, and therefore, development must of a necessity be experienced and/or noticed in Delta Central and Delta South, while also focusing on upscaling development in Delta North. That’s the very essence of power rotation, to spread development.

What Deltans deduced from Senator Nwoko’s outburst is that Governor Oborevwori ought to concentrate on Delta North alone, with little or no development in Delta South and Delta Central. This is unfair reasoning coming from a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Delta Central people are not cowards, they are simply peaceful and coolheaded.

The Okpai Power Plant’s completion is a federal government responsibility, in collaboration with its partners. Dragging the Delta State Government into the completion phase would be unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. The owners of the project are financially stable and capable. They swim in billions of dollars. They are neither broke nor bankrupt.

Senator Nwoko should partner with the federal government and other stakeholders to ensure the project’s timely completion. His influence as a senator can be leveraged to facilitate dialogue between the federal government, NNPC, NAOC, and other partners to resolve any challenges hindering the project’s completion.

Moreover, the House of Representatives has already mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the abandonment of the $38.7 million NNPC-NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant project Phase II. This development underscores the need for Senator Nwoko to work with federal authorities and other stakeholders to find a resolution.

Involving the Delta State Government in the completion phase could lead to unnecessary conflicts and duplication of efforts. It is crucial to respect the established ownership structure and decision-making processes.

Senator Nwoko’s advocacy for the Okpai Power Plant’s completion is laudable, but it must be directed towards the appropriate channels. By partnering with the federal government and other stakeholders, he can contribute meaningfully to the project’s completion and ultimately benefit the people of Delta State and Nigeria.

It is strongly recommended that Senator Nwoko should focus on the assignment given to him by the good people of Delta North at the National Assembly; that is, to make laws for Nigeria and attract dividends of democracy to his district and by extension Delta State. In doing this, Nwoko should abstain from divisive politics and instead, promote robust conversation that would deepen constitutional democracy, foster unity and peaceful coexistence.

Again, it is important to stress the fact that Governor Oborevwori cannot be intimidated by conspiracy theory, social or economic status of an individual or group of individuals in the discharge of his constitutionally assigned responsibility as governor of Delta State.

Deltans gave the governor their mandate and he’s doing exactly what he promised in his MORE agenda. Senator Nwoko, in his bid to pursue the creation of Anioma State, should not be carried away by sentiments. He should focus on his legislative functions and allow Governor Oborevwori to peacefully and progressively govern the state and people.

In conclusion, the completion of the Okpai Power Plant requires a collaborative effort between the federal government, NNPC, NAOC, and other partners. Senator Nwoko should focus on facilitating dialogue and cooperation among these stakeholders, rather than involving the Delta State Government and the governor unnecessarily.