By Austin Oyibode
ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko has declared that Nigeria’s most pressing problem is not its constitution, but the persistent lack of accountable and patriotic leadership across all levels of government.
Speaking during a Channels Television interview, the Delta North lawmaker and member of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution said constitutional amendments alone cannot solve Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.
“Nigeria’s problem is not solely constitutional,” Nwoko stated. “Yes, reforms are necessary. But beyond the pages of any legal document, our most pressing challenge remains the absence of patriotic leadership and a lack of accountability.”
He pointed to the United Kingdom’s stable governance structure despite not having a single written constitution, emphasizing that what works is a system where leaders and institutions put national interest above personal or sectional gain.
“The UK functions effectively without a written constitution because its leaders and citizens place the nation above all else. That’s what we must learn from,” he said.
Senator Nwoko argued that true governance must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens, not just policy debates or political rhetoric. He called for an urgent shift in Nigeria’s national priorities to focus on education, healthcare, housing, and security.
“Our people must come first,” he said. “Every Nigerian deserves dignity, protection, and care. Governance must show real impact, not just speeches.”
Turning to the long-standing agitation for the creation of Anioma State, Nwoko reaffirmed his unwavering commitment, describing it as a deeply rooted and historically legitimate demand that predates his generation.
“This agitation is not politically manufactured. It is a historic demand that remains the most consistent and credible call for state creation in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
He cautioned against politicizing the demand for Anioma State, insisting it transcends party lines and is driven by equity and justice for the Anioma people.
“This is about honoring the sacrifices and aspirations of Anioma people, not about personal gain or political advantage,” he said.
Senator Nwoko pledged to continue championing the creation of Anioma State as a duty to his people, past, present, and future.
