By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: Leaders and stakeholders from Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency have intensified calls for the creation of additional federal constituencies and local government areas, while also demanding the restoration of the old Ndokwa East State Constituency, which they said was effectively abandoned at the onset of the Fourth Republic in 1999.
The renewed agitation formed the core of deliberations at a strategic virtual meeting held on March 19, 2026, convened by the Ndokwa Committee for Growth and Development (NC4GD) in collaboration with the Ukwuani Federal Union (UFU) and the apex socio-cultural body, Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), with Chief Sam Enudi as anchor and Mr. Joachim Ndego serving as rapporteur.
In his remarks, the President-General of Ndokwa Neku Union, Comrade Chief Amechi Asugwuni, stressed the urgency of a unified and coordinated approach, noting that previous fragmented efforts had slowed progress on the quest for equitable political representation. He said the time had come for all stakeholders to speak with one voice in pursuit of justice for the area.
A major highlight of the meeting was the strong demand for the creation of an additional state constituency from the existing Ndokwa East State Constituency, with participants explaining that the move was aimed at restoring the old constituency structure that existed prior to 1999 but was discontinued with the advent of the current democratic dispensation.
Stakeholders argued that the present configuration has left the area underrepresented despite its population and political significance, insisting that restoring the constituency would enhance grassroots representation and governance.
Former member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai, disclosed that legislative efforts had previously been initiated at the National Assembly to address the imbalance, including motions to revisit constituency delineation. He, however, noted that such efforts require stronger backing through coordinated political engagement and legal action.
A representative of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, assured participants of ongoing efforts, while urging sustained collaboration among stakeholders to achieve the desired outcomes.
Legal perspectives were also brought to the fore, with contributors emphasizing the importance of pursuing judicial remedies as a viable pathway. It was revealed that steps were already being taken to secure court orders that could compel relevant authorities to act on the matter.
Other speakers, underscored the need for harmonisation of political, legal and community-driven efforts, warning that disjointed approaches would continue to hinder progress.
Participants also expressed concern over the limited engagement of some elected representatives in stakeholder discussions, stressing that their active involvement would strengthen advocacy and provide clearer direction in interfacing with government institutions.
As part of resolutions reached, stakeholders proposed the establishment of a legal action committee made up of seasoned lawyers and key actors to coordinate ongoing litigation and provide strategic leadership for the agitation.
There were also calls for financial contributions to sustain the legal process, with some members confirming that funds were already being mobilised to support court proceedings aimed at actualising the demands.
The meeting ended with a strong consensus on unity, sustained advocacy and collective responsibility, as stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to securing additional federal constituencies, creating new local government areas and restoring the Ndokwa East State Constituency as part of efforts to achieve fair representation and accelerated development in the region.
Great work in place. Ukwuani must move to a greater height, Amen 🙏🙏🙏