Senator Nwoko Under Fire: Ndokwa Opinion Leader Questions Commitment to Delta North’s Development
ABUJA/Nigeria: Mr Ossai Udom, an opinion leader from the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Constituency, has expressed serious concerns regarding Senator Ned Nwoko’s persistent campaign for the creation of Anioma State.
In a statement shared with Ndokwa Reporters Online, today, Tuesday, August 26, 2024, Udom criticized the senator for neglecting calls for comprehensive stakeholder consultations among the various ethnic groups that would constitute the proposed state. His sentiment aligns with views expressed by the Council of Traditional Rulers of Delta North.
“The growing concerns over Senator Nwoko’s approach to his role as the representative of Delta North in the National Assembly have sparked intense debate,” Udom remarked.
He pointed out that many constituents are questioning the senator’s motives and methods, suggesting that he prioritizes personal ambitions over the people’s collective will.
Over 15 months into his tenure, Udom asserted that Senator Nwoko has yet to demonstrate the expected competence, particularly in delivering the dividends of democracy to the Delta North Senatorial District.
“Show me one constituency in the Delta North Senatorial District where Ned has planted or attracted a semblance of a project since he took office!” he demanded.
Udom noted that Nwoko’s drive for the creation of Anioma State has distracted him from fulfilling his senatorial responsibilities.
“Ned can fool some, but not all,” remarked one critic, emphasizing the senator’s attempts to sway public opinion through a few youths and elderly supporters, which have not yielded positive results.
He highlighted the importance of broad and sincere consultations regarding state creation, as mandated by Nigeria’s constitution, which he claims have been largely overlooked by Senator Nwoko.
He stated that the lack of engagement with key stakeholders, particularly from the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, has fueled suspicions of a hidden agenda.
“How much consultation have you done, Senator Ned?”” This is a question frequently posed to him by constituents”, he asserted.
Describing Nwoko’s methods as undemocratic, Udom raised concerns about the senator’s true intentions, which are viewed with skepticism by many in the district. He warned that his rush to achieve what they perceive as selfish goals could lead to political downfall.
“No right-thinking Delta North person supports the creation of Anioma State under the current circumstances,” Udom stressed, asserting that this matter is too significant to be left to the whims of a single individual.
He stated that opposition to Nwoko’s approach extends beyond rhetoric, with reports alleging manipulation of civil servants and recruitment of impoverished youths to bolster his agenda.
“His recent attempt to frame a civil servants’ meeting in Abuja as a discussion on Anioma State creation is seen as a masterstroke of deception. It is demeaning to deceive those you swore to serve,” he argued.
Udom called on the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), the apex social-cultural body representing the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, backed by the members of the BOT, and President Generals of all the clans in the area, to remain vigilant against any manipulative tactics.
With rumours circulating about a planned gathering in Asaba to promote this agenda, Udom urged the NNU leadership to take a firm stance against such gatherings.
“He could use attendance at such events as validation of our concurrence to his bill in the National Assembly,” he warned.
He urged Senator Nwoko to redirect his efforts towards delivering tangible benefits to his constituents, rather than pursuing what many see as a reckless and self-serving mission.
“Delta North Senatorial District Ethnics must rise up now to demand democracy dividends from Senator Ned Nwoko,” he declared.
Udom also called upon Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, the member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, to address the concerns of his constituents. He emphasized the need for unity among the people of Delta North in holding their elected officials accountable.
In conclusion, Udom expressed deep frustration over Nwoko’s approach, cautioning that any representation or presence in gatherings related to Anioma State creation could be manipulated to suggest support from the Delta North Senatorial District for what he termed Nwoko’s “unguided quest” for statehood in the National Assembly.
