Why Ndokwa Nation Should Rally Round Senator Ned Nwoko (OPINION)
By Barth Ozah
There are three distinct functions exclusively and constitutionally assigned to the legislative arm of government in Nigeria viz: lawmaking, oversight and representation. A legislator at any level – the legislative arm at the local government, house of Assembly at the state level, House of Representatives and the Senate at the national level is constitutionally saddled with the three functions.
For the senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District at the Senate, Prince Ned Nwoko, his performances in the three functions have been outstanding since assumption of office in June 2023.
In lawmaking Senator Nwoko has contributed remarkably with so many legislation, motions and debates to his credit.
Bills and Motions: Since his inauguration on June 13, 2023, Senator Nwoko has introduced no fewer than 27 bills and 20 motions. In the constitutional amendments he proposed five out of approximately 30 bills considered by the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. Notably, bill advocating for the creation of Anioma State was the sole proposal of its kind under review, underscoring its significance. Other key bills addressed diaspora voting, the adoption of a parliamentary system of government, local government autonomy, and emergency medical aid.
Constituency Projects and Community Development, Senator Nwoko has been proactive in initiating and completing various projects across Delta North, including the construction of a sports facility in Issele-Uku, implementation of solar-powered borehole projects in Umunede and Idumuje-Ugboko to enhance access to clean water.
Street Lighting: Installation of solar street lights in communities, such as Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Onicha Ugbo, Asaba, and Kwale to improve safety and economic activities in the night.
Road and Infrastructure Rehabilitation: Execution of a 2 km road project and renovation of the police station at Idumuje-Ugboko. Additionally, he facilitated the rehabilitation of the deteriorated sections of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, specifically the Ezenei, Okwe, Ubulu–Okoti, and Igbodo stretches.
Empowerment and Skill Acquisition: Over 2,000 individuals have benefited from his skill acquisition and empowerment programmes, aimed at promoting employment, wealth creation and healthcare access among his constituents.
Advocacy and Social Welfare: Senator Nwoko has been an outspoken advocate on critical national issues, offering insights on security, electricity, water resources, oil theft, environmental degradation, gas flaring, economic revitalisation, social welfare for the vulnerable people and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
Furthermore, he played a pivotal role in securing the release of HRM Ovie Clement Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, who was detained following the Okuama incident on March 14, 2024.
Through these efforts, Senator Nwoko has made substantial impacts, both as legislator and among his constituents, reflecting his commitment to public service and community development.
Ad-Hoc Committee on Refinery Turnaround Maintenance: On February 11, 2025, Senator Nwoko was appointed as the chairman of the committee, succeeding the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. The committee is tasked with investigating the substantial funds allocated for refinery maintenance and the continued inefficiencies in the nation’s refineries.
Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft: On February 12, 2025, Senator Nwoko was appointed to lead the committee, which addresses the pressing issue of crude oil theft—a significant economic, security, and governance challenge for Nigeria.
Committee on Reparations and Repatriation: In July 2024, Senator Nwoko was appointed as the chairman of the newly established committee. The committee focuses on addressing historical injustices related to slavery, colonialism, and the exploitation of African resources with the aim at seeking reparations and ensuring that the affected voices are heard.
Why Ndokwa Nation should Rally Behind Senator Nwoko: It is not out of place to say that Ndokwa Nation has never had a voice since the advent of the present democratic dispensation and many analysts have attributed so many factors to this assertion. Of particular note is a quote attributed to one of the Ndokwa scholars who regarded the nation as “people waiting for coconut to fall.”
It depicts a people who cannot do politics or rather speak or agitate for themselves effectively on issues that affect them. Thanks to Senator Nwoko who through act of benevolence and patriotism for his constituents decided to speak up on issue that is dear to the Ndokwa Nation, such as the Independent Power Project (IPP) step down at Okpai. Today, the issue of electricity in Ndokwa Nation has come into focus and it will remain in the front burner for positive results.
Leveraging on Senator Nwoko’s patriotism and audaciousness, Ndokwa people can rally round him, channel their critical aspirations to government through him, and surely, they stand to benefit in a manner that is unprecedented.
