By Unue Emeka
The postulations by former Delta North Senator and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, on the zoning formula for the Delta North Senatorial District are both illogical and unjust. These claims, if adopted, could create a grave imbalance and perpetuate the marginalization of the Aniocha/Oshimili people, whose significant contributions to Delta North politics cannot be overlooked.
To begin with, Nwaoboshi’s argument appears simplistic, as it fails to consider the broader historical and political dynamics of Delta North since the onset of the current democratic dispensation. While he claims to advocate for equity, fairness, and justice, his position outrightly disregards the political plight of Aniocha/Oshimili people, who have borne the brunt of exclusion for years. His suggestion to shut out Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency from contesting the Senate seat in 2027 cannot, by any measure, be considered equitable or just.
Let’s assume, for argument’s sake, that all three blocs in Delta North—Ndokwa, Ika, and Aniocha/Oshimili—have had their fair turns in the Senate. Ndokwa took the first 12 years, followed by Ika, which also had a four-year Senate tenure under Okowa before proceeding to dominate the governorship for eight years. Meanwhile, Aniocha/Oshimili has not enjoyed any proportional power share in the state government or at the federal level in decades. How, then, can this glaring imbalance be ignored, and why should Aniocha/Oshimili continue to bear the weight of marginalization?
Nwaoboshi’s position becomes even more troubling when juxtaposed with Governor Okowa’s administration, which prioritized the Ika nation’s development over other Anioma blocs. Under Okowa, Ika experienced significant infrastructure growth, while Aniocha/Oshimili suffered neglect. Ndokwa, despite some neglect, was compensated with the deputy speakership in the Delta State House of Assembly for eight consecutive years. During this time, Aniocha/Oshimili had no significant representation in either the executive or legislative arms of government.
For someone who preaches equity, Nwaoboshi’s suggestion is nothing short of a contradiction. Aniocha/Oshimili has always supported other blocs in the spirit of fairness, including backing Okowa’s governorship bid, yet they have received little in return. Now, Ndokwa boasts the Deputy Governor’s position in Delta State, further complicating the idea of fairness if they also given the senatorial seat in 2027. Wouldn’t this arrangement unfairly marginalize Aniocha/Oshimili even further?
It’s important to question whether Nwaoboshi’s positions are based on genuine political reasoning or personal vendettas. As a former Delta State PDP Chairman and two-term senator, his record is far from being impressive. Many would argue that the people of Anioma gained little or nothing from his representation, despite the strong mandate he enjoyed. Now, his attempt to impose further restrictions on Aniocha/Oshimili aspirations reeks of political maneuvering rather than sincere advocacy for justice.
The situation becomes even clearer when we consider the current state of Delta North’s political representation. The Ika nation, having produced Okowa as governor for eight years and having had their fair share of Senate representation, should logically step aside for another bloc. Ndokwa, with the Deputy Governor’s position, also cannot justifiably seek the Senate seat without tipping the scales of fairness against Aniocha/Oshimili.
The Aniocha/Oshimili people have been on the fringes of power for far too long, despite their significant contributions to Delta North’s political stability. It is only logical, fair, and equitable for them to produce the next senator come 2027. To continue denying them this opportunity would not only undermine the principles of justice but also create unnecessary tension and disunity among the Anioma people.
Okowa’s eight years as governor and four years in the Senate have adequately compensated the Ika nation. In the same spirit of fairness, Ika leaders should support Aniocha/Oshimili’s bid for the Senate. It is this spirit of mutual respect and cooperation that has sustained Delta North’s political unity, and it should not be abandoned.
Aniocha/Oshimili’s quest for the 2027 Senate in the person of Senator Ned Nwoko is not just about politics, it’s about addressing years of marginalization and ensuring inclusive representation in Delta North. Their political relevance and contributions to the Anioma cause should not be dismissed lightly.
In conclusion, Nwaoboshi’s position on Delta North zoning is deeply flawed and unjust. It fails to consider the historical marginalization of Aniocha/Oshimili and risks perpetuating the very inequities it claims to address. For Delta North to remain united and politically stable, the 2027 senatorial seat should remain in the Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituncy and allow Senator Ned Nwoko to complete the tenure. Anything less would be a betrayal of the principles of equity, fairness, and justice that Anioma prides itself on.
Unue Emeka, A journalist, public affairs analyst writes from Kwale
