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Naija Gist, Abuja (2025)

14/12/2024

Senator Ned Nwoko Advocates for Igbo Unity and the Creation of New States at the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week

By Michael Ogar Gabriel Jr.

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, was a prominent voice at the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week, a key event dedicated to addressing critical issues facing the Igbo community. With the theme “Strengthening Igbo Unity: The Quest for the Creation of a New State in the South-East,” the week-long program brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, and cultural stakeholders to foster regional development and unity.

In his keynote address, Senator Nwoko called for greater unity among the Igbo people, urging them to unite in their collective social, economic, and political pursuits. He emphasized that only a united front could effectively address the challenges facing the region and secure fair representation within Nigeria’s federal structure.

Highlighting the need for a new state in the South-East, Senator Nwoko expressed concern that the current political framework does not adequately address the unique needs of the region. He called for cooperation among all stakeholders to advocate for the creation of an additional state, which he believes will lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and foster sustainable development.

Senator Nwoko further underscored the specific need for the creation of Anioma State to effectively represent the people of Delta North. He asserted that the establishment of Anioma State would enhance political inclusion, create more socio-economic opportunities, and provide a stronger foundation for his constituents to pursue their development goals.

“The creation of Anioma State is not just a political agenda; it is a necessity for justice and equity,” Senator Nwoko stated. “Anioma deserves a voice that can better express its aspirations, which aligns with the larger Igbo call for balanced representation and sustainable progress.”

The Senator reiterated his commitment to advancing regional equity and urged all Igbo stakeholders to rally behind this cause. He also emphasized the importance of cultural unity and collective advocacy in achieving the vision of a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region.

Senator Nwoko’s speech was met with widespread approval, with many participants praising his advocacy for Igbo unity and his continued push for the creation of Anioma State. His address was seen as a clarion call to action for the Igbo people, inspiring greater engagement and commitment to the cause of equity and progress.

As the 2024 OTU Oka-Iwu Week came to a close, the event left attendees motivated to continue pushing for regional development and unity. Senator Nwoko’s participation reinforced his position as a leading advocate for the progress of the Igbo people and for the creation of a more inclusive and just Nigeria.

03/12/2024

COURTESY VISIT:NNU Didn't Speak For Ndokwa People.

Let me use this moment to state it clear without fear or favour that the resent visit of the NNU to the Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was actually a planned meeting aimed at instructing the NNU on what to do and who not to support.
If not for the lingering issues between our loving Senator Prince Ned Nwoko and the State Government, the planned visit will not happen.

I make bold to say that the NNU didn't speak for the Ndokwa People or for the collective interest of the Ndokwa People as they failed to mention the most important projects dear to Ndokwa People at the meeting with the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

I painstakingly went through the supposed Address by the NNU to the Governor during the visit and all I could conclude is that they were instructed and they obeyed.

*POWER SUPPLY*
You will agree that the major and biggest agitations of the Ndokwa People is the Stepping Down of the Okpai Independent Power Plant built about 20yrs ago in Ndokwa Land yet Ndokwa remain in total darkness.
When the said Okpai IPP was built and stepped down at Obosi, an Ndokwa Son Sen Patrick Osakwe was the Senator Representing Delta North and he made no single efforts for stepping down the light. Sen Ifeanyi Okowa an Ika man succeeded him and for his 4yrs as Delta North Senator did nothing about the light. Peter Nwaboshi an Aniocha/Oshimili man took over from him and for good 8yrs as Senator equally did nothing about the stepping down.
Sen Prince Ned Nwoko an Aniocha/Oshimili man succeeded him and under one year in Office as Senator has taken it upon himself to get the Stepdown of Okpai Power Plant for the people of Delta North to enjoy steady power supply. This has even caused troubles for the People's Senator as the Delta State Government is openly attacking Sen Ned Nwoko for daring to request that the State Government fund these legacy and over due projects for his people. Following the revelations of the Senator about the refusal of the State Government to fund the stepping down of Okpai Independent Power Plant at a meeting with the Ndokwa Neku Union in Ezionum which has caused serious face off between the State Government and the Senator, seeing how the people now know those who don't want them to have light, the NNU visited the Governor and rolled out their demands.
It's shocking to know that despite the Okpai Independent Power Plant being a top burning issue, the NNU never mentioned it in their Address/Demands. It seems most likely they were preinformed not to add such to their demands.

*ROAD PROJECTS*
There are many communities in Ndokwa Nation that are almost being forgotten or that is gradually turning to a farm settlement simply because of no good roads, some of the roads awarded done half way and abandoned with no hope of revival. NNU did not see reasons to demand for attention on these communities (Inam-Abbi, Umuebu, Onyia, Igbuku, Eziokpor, Amai-Umubu, etc) but was asking for the reconstruction of already link roads to be dual carriage forgetting communities that are almost inaccessible because of no good roads and other important internal roads and drainage to checkmate erosion that has almost washed some communities away.

*INSECURITY*
It's a well known fact that Ndokwa Nation faces the worst hit of insecurity across Delta State. This includes Criminal Herdsmen attacks, cult clashes, Armed Robbery and Kidnapping.
It will interest us to know that the NNU while meeting with the Governor never addressed the security challenges the Ndokwa Nation is facing, rather they were only seeing the security challenges posed by some oil companies not cooperating with the communities claiming the youths are angry and may result to uncontrollable crisis. This is a shame and a clear show that their visit was not for the overall interest of the Ndokwa People, just recently there have been cult clashes in Kwale axis that took the lives of many young promising Ndokwa People, NNU never saw any need to present this ugly trend in view of addressing it.
The fulani criminal herdsmen have taken over some of Ndokwa bushes mostly the Obiaruku-Umutu axis, killing, ra**ng, Kidnapping and destroying farm lands to the extent that our people no longer go to farm, recently a Vigilantee member was shot dead in cause of action while fighting to chase the herdsmen away as organised by the Ukwuani local government authority, the State Government did nothing and have never showed any sign of help to remove these criminals from our bushes and farm lands. One would have thought that the Ndokwa Neku Union would take up the matter, demand for State Government urgent assistance in chasing the criminal herdsmen away and compensate Ndokwa People who have lost their farms and people but NNU never mentioned it in their Address/Demands.
It's on records that both Sen Patrick Osakwe, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and Sen Peter Nwaboshi never spoke about the insecurity across Delta North but following the continuous attacks, Sen Prince Ned Nwoko has taken the matter to the floor of the House where it was said that the State and Local government has a lot to do in forming and funding Local Vigilantees to ensure the bushes/farmlands were safe.

*INFRASTRUCTURE*
There are lots of beneficial infrastructural projects in Ndokwa Nation. One would have expected that the NNU will be taking about giving Ndokwa People good housing Estates to improve the living standards of the people.
One would have thought that the NNU will seize the opportunity to bring to the notice of the Governor that there are no Sports Facilities in the entire Ndokwa Nation, there are stadiums that needed to be reconstructed and other mini stadium that have bee abandoned like that of Kwale and Obiaruku.
They left all that to focus on begging the Governor money to complete their NNU building they call Ndokwa House. Of what benefits will such house be for Ndokwa People? Our Primary and secondary schools do not have good structures conducive for learning, they could not bring such to the attention of the Governor, there are some of our children who still sit on floor or under mango trees to learn, yet they could not bring all these to the attention of the Governor. There are no Talents hub built in any part of Ndokwa Nation all they could do is praising Governor Oborevwori repeatedly for Kwale Industrial Park that we are yet to see which was actually claimed to have been awarded by past administration.

In view of the above I concluded that the NNU visit to the State Governor was not about the interest of the Ndokwa People but the interest of the Ika Man who sponsored them to see the Governor to admit their loyalty to himself and the Governor all for 2027 general elections.

My advice for Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is that he should work closely together with Most Distinguished Nigerian Senator Prince Ned Nwoko and get useful advice on urgent needs of Delta Northerners so as not to completely lose face and support from Anioma People particularly the Ndokwa People.
Anioma Nation stood solidly behind you during the Campaign.

_Mst Snr Comr_ *Prince Kay Enuenwosu Kester Emeke*
```SSA on Media to Sen Prince Ned Nwoko```

03/12/2024

Unveiling the Architect of Delta North's Renaissance

In the realm of politics, few leaders have demonstrated the unwavering commitment, unrelenting passion, and unbridled vision that *Senator Ned Nwoko* has exhibited in his quest to transform *Delta North.* As the 2027 elections beckon, it is imperative to spotlight the transformative impact of this visionary leader.

*A CHAMPION OF EMPOWERMENT*

*Senator Nwoko's* tenure has been marked by an unyielding dedication to empowering the people of *Delta North.* Through his innovative initiatives, he has democratized access to opportunities, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and collective progress.

*A MAESTRO OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT*

*Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko's* impressive portfolio of projects is a testament to his unwavering commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap in *Delta North.* From the establishment of mini football stadiums to the installation of solar-powered streetlights, his initiatives have not only enhanced the quality of life but also stimulated economic growth.

*A Torchbearer of Anioma State Creation*

*Senator Nwoko's* unrelenting advocacy for the creation of *Anioma State* has been a hallmark of his tenure. His tireless efforts have yielded significant results, with the _Opkai Independent Power Plant_ and _Ogwashi-Uku earth dam_ receiving government attention.

*A Paradigm of Accountability and Transparency*

In an era where leadership is often synonymous with opacity, *Senator Nwoko* has distinguished himself as a paragon of accountability and transparency. His open-door policy, public declaration of funds, and unwavering commitment to participatory governance have earned him the trust and admiration of his constituents.

As *Delta North* stands at the cusp of a new era, one thing is clear: *Senator Ned Nwoko* is the visionary leader who possesses the intellectual depth, emotional intelligence, and unwavering commitment required to propel the state toward unprecedented heights.

Permit me to say this unequivocally, as the people of *Delta North* prepare to make their voices heard in the 2027 elections, they would do well to remember the transformative impact of *Senator Ned Nwoko's* leadership. With his proven track record, unwavering commitment, and unrelenting passion, he is undoubtedly the best candidate to take *Delta North* to the next level.

*Rev Joseph Ugochukwu White* The President *POTTER'S PLACE GROUP INT'L,* and the Editor In Chief *Every Day with God Devotional* Nigeria and South Africa.

03/12/2024

IWEDI NWAHAM, A MISERABLE HATCHETMAN OF A DYING DYNASTY

By Frank Iroroh.

In my last encounter with Iwedi Nwaham, I advised him to resist the temptation of using Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (SNMN) to mend fences with his erstwhile political foes and to stop waging media war against SNMN to warm the hearts of his newfound love. As an aged man, I thought he would take my honest advice seriously, but being a persistent tyrant, he has continued to bring a hard-earned reputation of the Most Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to public ridicule.

In his latest article titled *NED NWOKO HAS CROSSED THE RUBICON* Nwaham admitted that *Many ordinary people love him (Ned) genuinely* he however, went astray in the follow-up lines by adding. *His inability to be a boardroom player is his major undoing* *the flip side of it is that he (Ned) seems to have a personality construct that makes him, not a good follower* Nwaham lost it here, he probably did not understand that SNMN is not a conventional politician, the type that keeps mute in the face of injustice. He does not play boardroom politics to the detriment of his constituents, especially where the developmental needs of his people are at stake. A boardroom politics where life-saving projects in his district are outrightly ignored. SNMN is very reluctant to be a follower of a system that denies the people needed infrastructure and real poverty elevation projects; *this is why Ned is genuinely loved by the people* as Nwaham rightly admitted.
SNMN cannot be tamed by the 'system' to turn his back on his people and ignore the pains, hardships, and slavery conditions his constituents are subjected to over the years, by a government of the party they have supported so long. He would not turn a blind eye to the dehumanizing condition of his people on the altar of party politics.
SNMN's global exposure and clear understanding of what operates in other climes make him uncomfortable to join a bandwagon of retrogressive boardroom politicians, Nwaham is recommending.

Before I dive into the miserable life of Iwedi Nwaham, I want readers to get a deeper understanding of the reasons the PDP is very upset with SNMN.

1. PDP has been in power in Delta State since 1999; within this period, Delta State was and still is an epicenter of oil bunkering activities in Nigeria. Elements within the party were rattled when SNMN moved a motion on the floor of the Senate back in September 2023 calling for a crackdown on oil thieves in the country. Those benefiting from these criminal activities were quick to denounce the motion, saying that SNMN was not sent to the Senate for that purpose. Hence they started plotting to whittle down his influence in the party and the district to stop him from going back to the Senate in 2027.

2. Within the same period, Delta North under PDP had three senators and a governor, and because of Nwaham's brand of boardroom politics, none of them were courageous enough to talk about gas flaring in Delta North, which had a devastating impact on the environment and the livelihood of the people. None cared about the Okpai Stepdown and the Ogwashi Ukwu dam; they did not see these projects as essential infrastructure for power generation to supply uninterrupted electricity to the entire Delta North. Today, a great part of Delta North communities are living in total darkness. SNMN understands that electricity is the life wire of every thriving economy and that making power available to the people is much more empowering than the occasional bread-and-butter empowerment introduced by the PDP. He understands that Nigerians demand good governance and not wheelbarrow empowerment, and he does not want to play party politics with the projects in his district. Hence, he picks up the gauntlet to bring the Okpai Step down and Ogwashi Ukwu dam to state and national attention. SNMN went further to initiate steps to build a new dam at Aniofu. The combination of these three projects will ensure a constant electricity supply in Delta North in no distant time. The paymasters of Nwaham are not happy with these giant steps taken by SNMN. They want to cage him, to tell him what he should do and what he should not do. They viewed his audacious actions as an affront to expose their failures and inadequacy. Take a good look at Okpai, a community that hosts one of the largest gas plants in Nigeria, a plant that supplies electricity to parts of the country, and yet the community is living in perpetual darkness, the PDP is comfortable with the situation but SNMN will not accept such a modern slavery policy in this 21st century. His position on the project is one of the reasons he is being crucified by PDP.

3. Asaba - Oko - Aballa - Utchi - Okapi -Aboh - Patani road. This road provides the shortest route to vast oil-producing communities along the River Niger bank and a short route for the evacuation of their farm produce and also for those traveling to and from the state capital, quite often residents in these communities had to travel across the River Niger to Onitsha before coming back to Asaba. These communities have been crying to the PDP-led Delta State government to construct this road for decades, but all their complaints have fallen on deaf ears; the Delta State government did nothing about the road, not even when Anioma had a governor. Today, whilst the PDP-led government of Delta, which derived huge oil revenue from the area, ignored the plight of the people, succor has come to the communities as SNMN has ensured that the construction of the road is captured in the NDDC 2025 budget. NDDC is an intervention agency under the APC-led federal government.

4. Anioma State creation. This is a project so dear to the Anioma people. The struggle to create Anioma State dates back 50 years ago. The importance of statehood to a people is very obvious; hence, our forefathers embarked on the struggle to have the state created. His predecessor timidly avoided raising the issue even when the State creation issue came up during President GEL's 2014 National Constitutional Conference. SNMN saw an opportunity to have the state created, and he did not hesitate to grab it. This is another problem he is having with the PDP behemoths in Delta State. As explicitly pointed out by Nwaham in the article under reference, *All talk about the creation of the Anioma state today is all about Ned Nwoko, no one else* --- *the horde of citizen journalists, have been recruited to saturate the media with favorable coverages about their principal* -- *They have eulogized the man, Ned, to high heavens, cheered him on as "the man that will liberate the Anioma people*. In the above lines, Nwaham captured a vivid picture of the minds of the leaders of the PDP in Delta North, it portrays the deep-rooted hatred and jealousy of a man whose only offense is to do what he was elected to do. They feel highly offended by the massive support SNMN is gathering in the struggle to have an Anioma state created. Nwaham and his college of leaders should learn to live with the pains of SNMN's overwhelming support among the Anioma people, which come from his undiluted determination to see Anioma liberated from the shackles of ethnic and clannish leaders, who have held the development of Aniomaland aground for personal political aggrandizement. It should be noted that none of the projects Ned is fighting for is cited in his community, but as an elected senator, he takes every part of Delta North as his constituency, which is the hallmark of good leaders.

5. Legislative duties. SNMN was elected to the Senate primarily to initiate bills for the good governance of Nigeria; any other thing is an oversight duty. In this core area, he has excelled, so far, in just under 17 months at the Senate, he has sponsored 25 bills and moved 19 motions, making him the senator with the highest volumes of bills and motions at the 10th Senate. SNMN is rated as the most active senator in Nigeria; he is well respected among his peers; when he speaks, his colleagues give him maximum attention. He also commands a great deal of respect at the Presidency for his visionary inputs on national issues, and the Anioma people are so proud of him.

This icon of global repute is being targeted by the evil pen of a miserable loser called Iwedi Nwaham.
Nwaham, from what I gathered, hails from Umunede; he is despised like a plague in his community. He is a crook, well-known for creating confusion in his community.
He was a spin doctor of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and had written a series of vicious and unprintable things against the PDP; today, he has suddenly begun to feed on his vomit. Before then, Iwedi Nwaham was the manager of the Umunede Community Bank, a financial institution he mismanaged He ran the bank to bankruptcy within just a few years in charge, leading to many local investors losing their hard-earned capital. Nwaham is a shameless man without principle who told him that SNMN's future political career is tied to his paymaster. If SNMN decides to go back to the Senate in 2027, God and the Anioma people he is diligently serving will support him and there is nothing Nwaham and his college of leaders can do about it.
Iwedi Nwaham has chosen to act as Hitler's Joseph Gobbel for governor Oborevwori; he should focus on helping his lying governor to propagate his lies, and he should leave SNMN out of their ineptitude administration. Nwaham should understand that lies have a short lifespan.

Frank Iroroh is the Coordinator of
NMN Volunteer Corps (The Nedites)
For further information about the group, email us at [email protected]

29/11/2024

Video: Senator Ned Nwoko Advocates for National Dialogue

Senator Ned Nwoko emphasizes the need for a national dialogue to unite Nigerians, address key challenges, and pave the way for lasting development.

29/11/2024

Response to Governor Oborevwori’s Claims on Okpai IPP

The statement from the Government House regarding Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s claims on the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), titled “2025 Budget: Oborevwori Vows More Development for Deltans… Says Nwoko Never Discussed Okpai IPP with Him,” is misleading and warrants immediate correction.

The Okpai IPP is pivotal for Delta North’s development, and Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has been a relentless advocate for its implementation. His efforts include securing Senate resolutions, engaging stakeholders, and proposing funding mechanisms to ensure Delta North communities benefit from the power plant.

Senator Nwoko categorically states that he has consistently engaged the Governor on this project, alongside other critical issues like the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and the Asaba-Oko-Okpai-Abboh road. Claims to the contrary distort the facts.

The Senator urges the Government House to withdraw its baseless allegations, issue a public apology, and collaborate meaningfully to address Delta North’s development priorities.

Signed:
Hon. Gloria Okolugbo
Director of Communications
Office of Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.

07/10/2024

NASS: Senator Ned Nwoko Sponsors the Most Bills in the 10th National Assembly

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP, Delta North) has emerged as one of the leading lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly, sponsoring the highest number of bills within a short period. Since the inauguration of the assembly in May 2023, Senator Nwoko has demonstrated his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, sponsoring a remarkable 25 bills and 19 motions to date.

The bills sponsored by Senator Nwoko cover a broad spectrum of national concerns, including economic development, social welfare, healthcare reform, environmental protection, and infrastructure enhancement. His legislative efforts are part of a larger strategy to promote sustainable development and improve the lives of Nigerians across all sectors.

Senator Nwoko is joined by other proactive lawmakers, including Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), who has sponsored 23 bills, and Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), with 22 bills to his credit . These senators, through their legislative activities, have showcased an unwavering dedication to the growth and progress of the Nigerian nation.

Nwoko’s focus remains on creating laws that will not only foster national growth but also address key concerns affecting his constituents and Nigerians at large. His recent bills and motions have reflected his vision of a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable Nigeria.

As the 10th Assembly progresses, Senator Nwoko’s work will continue to be a cornerstone of legislative discussions, further positioning him as one of the most impactful senators in the National Assembly.

17/09/2024

The Truth Behind Senator Ned Nwoko’s Push for Delta’s Water and Power Needs: A Fair Assessment

One doesn't need to be a strategic thinker to understand that water and electricity are basic necessities for any region's development and everyday survival. The availability of these two essentials ensures the massive growth and sustainability of any community. Given Delta State’s natural wealth, these should be readily available. But what’s hindering the full realization of these basics in Delta North? Two critical projects: the completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam for water supply and irrigation, and the step-down of 100 megawatts from the Okpai Independent Power Plant. Two vital projects—each with life-changing potential—have been delayed, both of which are estimated to cost far less than N50 billion. This is an amount that is not even up to what the state receives from FAAC within a six-month period.

These projects, though primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, can be executed by the state government under a reimbursement arrangement. Such a partnership is neither unprecedented nor difficult, especially for a state as resource-rich as Delta. When projects like these—fundamental to the development of its citizens—are at stake, it should never be about who’s responsible but rather how quickly they can be executed to benefit the people.

Now, what efforts have been made by the Senator representing Delta North, and why should the state government get involved?

In March 2024, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, moved a motion in the National Assembly, pushing for the immediate step-down of 100 megawatts from the Okpai Independent Power Plant. The Senate responded by mandating the Minister of Power to resolve the inexplicable delays. However, Senator Nwoko did not rest on his laurels, waiting for feedback from the Senate. He personally engaged with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the MD of Transmission Company of Nigeria, Engr. Abdul-Aziz Sule, to find a way forward. The response was clear: the Federal Government lacked the funds to proceed immediately.

In the same vein, Senator Ned Nwoko took up the Ogwashi-Uku Dam case. Upon inquiry, the Ministry of Water Resources confirmed that the Federal Government had completed its portion of the project and, in 2019, handed it over to the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA). The Ministry explained that Delta State is expected to collaborate with BORBDA to finish the water supply component, ensuring proper water distribution to the benefiting communities. This is the next critical step needed to maximize the dam’s benefits for Delta North.

Nonetheless, the relationship between the federal, state, and local governments can be likened to that of a family. In this scenario, the mother (state government), possessing the necessary resources, should not stand by and allow the child (grassroots) to suffer when the father (federal government) is temporarily incapacitated. What should take priority is the well-being of the people.

Senator Nwoko, understanding the urgency of these projects, presented them to the Delta State Government. He urged the government to fund these projects and seek reimbursement from the federal authorities later, noting how pivotal they are to the state's overall development. However, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori responded by saying that the state does not have the funds to undertake such projects, as his administration is focused on clearing the N465.4 billion debt left by his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

But let’s put this in perspective. Between January and June 2024, Delta State received N260.7 billion from FAAC. In June 2024 alone, Delta State was allocated N43.7 billion, almost as much as what all five South-Eastern states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo) combined received during the same month (N46.7 billion). Yes, Governor Oborevwori has cleared over N130 billion of debt in his first year of office, but it’s worth asking how Delta State, with such significant allocations, amassed such debt in the first place. Is it a result of unsustainable projects or a misallocation of resources? If the state can clear over N130 billion of debt in one year, surely the funds could also be made available to provide 24-hour electricity and reliable water supply to Delta North within six months, if the administration deems it a priority.

It’s important to note that Senator Ned Nwoko has never, and likely will never, belittle Governor Oborevwori's efforts. His call for collaboration is just that—a call for partnership, not an attack. In his request for the state government’s involvement in the Okpai and Ogwashi-Uku projects, Senator Nwoko never implied that these were state responsibilities, nor did he misunderstand the ownership structure of the projects. He simply presented a pragmatic solution to accelerate development. Senator Nwoko has thoroughly explored all federal avenues for these projects but found that progress through that route is unlikely to happen in the nearest future. Consequently, he sought the state’s collaboration. And contrary to some assumptions, Senator Nwoko’s suggestion comes with a structured repayment plan—funding these projects through a billing system for water and electricity usage, ensuring that they are not only completed but are also financially sustainable.

Moreover, the Senator did not demand that the state government take on these projects; he merely made a polite request that was swiftly rejected by the Governor without due consideration. This raises questions about the state's priorities. If providing water and electricity—two absolute necessities—does not rank above flyovers and stadiums, one might argue that the people’s welfare is being sidelined.

To those questioning why Senator Nwoko didn’t pursue these projects during the previous administration, the answer is straightforward: he was not yet a senator, and the full scope of these issues only became apparent once he assumed office. Since then, he has worked diligently, engaging federal ministries, seeking solutions, and presenting realistic alternatives for state collaboration. His efforts are not about assigning blame but about finding solutions. Why would anyone, in good conscience, criticize Senator Ned Nwoko for standing up for his people?

The Okpai Independent Power Plant step-down and the Ogwashi-Uku dam are pivotal to the shared vision of both the Governor and the Senator in advancing infrastructure and improving the quality of life in Delta State. Senator Ned Nwoko, fully recognizing the collaborative nature of governance, made a respectful and well-intentioned request for the state's involvement in these critical projects. His approach did not challenge the existing ownership or responsibility structure but sought to expedite solutions that would directly benefit the people. The Senator’s request is not an attack on the governor’s leadership, but rather a call for a partnership that puts the people first.

The true value of infrastructure projects is measured by their impact on the fundamental needs of the people. Without addressing these core needs, even the most impressive developments risk becoming burdens rather than assets.

While grand structures like flyovers and stadiums enhance a state's visual appeal, they should not eclipse essential services. Imagine the transformative effect of providing 24-hour, affordable electricity across Delta State—how it could boost local businesses and drive economic growth. Picture the benefits of a comprehensive irrigation system in Delta North, promoting year-round agricultural productivity and encouraging more residents to pursue farming.

True leadership involves endorsing initiatives that serve the people’s real needs, and such endorsements must be given with integrity and a clear conscience.

Naija Gist

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