Prince Ned Nwoko, a legal-consultant-cum-politician, and the present Delta North People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, on Monday, 16 January, 2023, met with the Ndokwa East traditional rulers and unveiled possible solutions to problems facing the local government, whilst seeking the people’s cooperation, as he works towards ensuring that such problems are solved through due processes.
The meeting which took place at the palace of the Ozu of Igbuku Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Isaac Erube Uvo, offered the senatorial candidate another opportunity to air his view on the conventional neutrality of Anioma traditional rulers in national politics, amongst other issues.
Nwoko, comparing Anioma traditional rulers, with their counterparts in the Northern region of the country, stated that, the Emirs enjoy more respect and recognition from politicians, because, unlike the Anioma traditional rulers, they do not shy away from politics. According to Nwoko, the Emirs openly endorse their preferred candidate, hence, their subjects, in respect to their Emirs, throw their full support behind such candidate. Therefore, when the candidate gets elected, he ideally reciprocate the gesture, by ensuring that the Emirs’ decisions on probing issues are well respected and acknowledged.
The legal-consultant-cum-politician, urged the traditional rulers to be actively involved in national politics. He maintained that as the traditional and spiritual head of the community, they have a vital role to play in deciding who represents them in government, noting that, such would earn them more respect and recognition from the representatives, and also make it possible for them to be promoted in government.
He also expressed concern on the issue of environmental degradation caused by continuous flooding, as well as gas flaring in the local government.
In Nwoko’s words, “The issue of flooding is something that would continue if we do not find permanent solution to it. To remedy this reccurring disaster, the first thing that must be done is to dredge river Niger and river Benue. When elected, I will mobilize other senators to ensure that this is done.
“Again, the roads that link Oko community in Oshimili South, to communities in Ndokwa, must be done. The roads will have solid embankment that would prevent the water from flowing freely into communities.
“Such roads cannot be managed by state government, hence, the federal government, in conjunction with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will build the roads.”
Taking a swipe on the issue of gas flaring, he said, “Aside from environmental degradation and wastage of gas, there are also dangerous health effects of gas flaring, both on adults and on children.
“The oil companies here have taken advantage of the disunity among the various communities to continue with their exploration without rendering due community service responsibility.”
Nwoko vowed that, when elected as a senator, he would take the oil companies to court if nothing is done to savage the issue of gas flaring and also compensate the people.
“Like I had earlier said during the ward campaign, if the oil companies here do not do anything to rectify the issue of environmental degradation, when elected, I will personally take them to court. I don’t mind taking the federal government to court as well if they obstruct me. What needs to be done must be done.
“As a senator, I have the mandate of the people, and I must make sure I justify the mandate. I do not have any reason to compromise my deal.” Nwoko said.
The chairman, Ndokwa East traditional council, His Royal Majesty, Julius Enueme, the Agadagba of Adai Obioka, speaking on behalf of the traditional council, stressed that, the injustice faced by their people is appalling, despite being the local government that produces the most oil in the country.
He said, “Even before the civil war, we have been producing oil. But when it comes to sharing, we are relegated to the background. We do not even have linking roads to some neighbouring towns.
“Whenever there is flood disaster in the country, we suffer the most. The injustice is too much. As you can see, there is no federal government presence here.
“We hope you feel our grievances and come to our rescue. We hope on you. With your speech, it is now very clear to us that you really know what we want as a people.”
Earlier, the traditional rulers affirmed that, they had already endorsed Nwoko. They stated that, they were part of the Anioma traditional rulers that endorsed the leading senatorial candidate, at the palace of Azagba of Asaba, and also the palace of Obi of Owa kingdom, respectively.
Present in the meeting were; HRM, Ogbome II, JP, the Igwe of Okpai Kingdom, HRM, Ifeanyichukwu Oge I, the Igwe of Ase Kingdom, HRM, Obi Frederick Egbukonye, the Igwe of Aballa Kingdom, as well as, HRM, Isaac Erube uvo, the Ozu of Igbuku Kingdom, amongst others.
Before leaving Ndokwa East, Nwoko, with his entourage, made a quick stop at the home of the local government chairman, Hon. Juan Amaechi, where he reiterated his takes and possible solutions on environmental degradation.
Just as he was warmly received at the palace of the Ozu of Igbuku Kingdom, Nwoko was also warmly ushered into the home of the LGA chairman by various groups whom sang his praises.
