By Jim Derek Onokuta
Senator Ned Nwoko’s push for the establishment of Anioma State has raised eyebrows about his strategy and possible repercussions for Delta State.
Senator Nwoko’s manner of issuing instructions to State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, as shown in a trending video, is deemed crude, disrespectful, insensitive, and unacceptable, highlighting his significant power and influence.
To clarify, the Okpai Power Plant mentioned by Senator Nwoko is neither owned by Delta State Government nor controlled by Governor Rt Hon Oborevwori; ownership lies with a conglomerate of multinational companies and the federal government.
Media reports indicate that the House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the abandonment of the $38.7 million NNPC-NAOC Joint Venture Okpai Independence Power Plant project Phase II and has mandated its Committee on Power to investigate the abandonment by Saipem Contracting Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
Deltans are yet to come to terms with Senator Nwoko’s outburst, berating governor Oborevwori over the completion of a power plant that is not within the control of the state government. He’s aware of this facts, and ought to take his frustrations to the joint owners and partners of Okpai, Power plant project. His anger on Oborevwori administration was on called for.
Senator Nwoko’s actions tend to create division between immediate past governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, and incumbent Governor Oborevwori, by comparing infrastructure development between Delta Central and Delta North. His actions have been described by public affairs analysts as inappropriate, divisive, and capable of creating unnecessary political tension.
Senator Nwoko should refrain from pitting Delta North against other senatorial districts and focus on his National Assembly assignment. His comparison of Delta Central to Delta North in terms of infrastructure development is misleading, given Delta North’s significant development during the previous administration and ongoing projects in this administration.
Governor Oborevwori’s administration is barely 15 months old, and it is unfair to compare his performance with the 8 years of the immediate past administration. Deltans cherish the cordial relationship between Senator Okowa and Governor Oborevwori, and it is very unpatriotic for any right thinking individual or group of persons to cause division between the two leaders.
Disputes between past and present governors have far-reaching consequences, hindering progress and development. Delta State has been peaceful and will continue to be. Senator Nwoko should prioritize peace and unity, focusing on legislative duties and allowing Governor Oborevwori to govern.
The governor’s vision to Advance Delta beyond 2027 should be supported, with projects implemented across senatorial districts. The people of Delta Central supported Delta North during the previous administration; now it is their turn to benefit from power rotation, extending same to all Deltans, Delta South and Delta North, judging from the good governance strides of the governor.
Senator Nwoko and supporters should support Delta Central and the governor in the spirit of equity, good conscience, and brotherhood.
And if Anioma State becomes a reality, what will be the fate of Delta Central and Delta South in terms of infrastructure development? Does Senator Nwoko and his associates care about the development of other senatorial districts? What’s driving Nwoko’s unguided utterances? These are some of the questions begging for answers.
Deltans advocate for equal development across senatorial districts on a power rotation basis. Senator Nwoko’s actions are divisive and distasteful.
Senator Nwoko should pursue the Anioma State agenda without crossing the red line. Delta will remain united despite Nwoko’s strategies. Peace building should prioritize progress and development for all.
