KWALE/Nigeria: Comrade Opia Joshua Ojieh, Supreme Leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Ndokwa Nation, has called on Deltans, particularly those from the Delta North Senatorial District, to rally behind Senator Ned Nwoko and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Opia made the appeal during a meeting with PDP loyalists and youths at his residence in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA, following his return from the United Kingdom.
In his capacity as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Opia urged the people to allow both leaders to complete their first terms without unnecessary distractions and political infighting. He praised Senator Nwoko’s dedication to addressing long-standing issues, especially the persistent power outages in Ndokwa Nation. The Senator has been advocating for the restoration of electricity in the region, particularly through the stepping down of Independent Power Plant (IPP) projects—a significant need, as Kwale has suffered from inconsistent electricity for over two decades despite hosting several international companies.
“Senator Nwoko is the only prominent politician from the area who has consistently spoken up on these critical issues,” Opia remarked, contrasting his efforts with the silence of other political figures.
Opia also dispelled rumors of any rift between Senator Nwoko and Governor Oborevwori, asserting that their relationship remains solid. He explained that Senator Nwoko’s request for the state government’s intervention in ongoing projects, such as the IPP and Ogwashi-Uku Dam, should not be viewed as a conflict, but rather as advocacy for the region’s development.
In response to recent criticisms, particularly from Hon. Obule, Opia urged Obule to focus on his local government’s political affairs rather than stirring up tensions in Delta North. He emphasized that Senator Nwoko, as the only PDP Senator from Delta State, deserves the full backing of the party and the people.
Opia also addressed rumors about a political agreement for former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to return to the Senate, firmly refuting them. He argued that after Senator Nwoko completes his second term, it would be the rightful turn of Ndokwa Nation to produce the next Senator from Delta North. According to Opia, this aligns with the rotation agreement among the district’s major ethnic groups, as both the Ika and Aniocha/Oshimili have already had their representation in the Senate.
Calling for unity, Opia condemned those attempting to undermine Senator Nwoko’s efforts, stating that his advocacy for his constituents is a constitutional duty that should be supported, not hindered. He pointed out that such neglect of important issues would not be tolerated in other regions like Ijaw, Isoko, or Urhobo, and questioned why Ndokwa Nation should continue to suffer in silence.
Opia urged Ndokwa people to stand firmly behind Senator Nwoko, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the National Assembly. He also called for continued support for Governor Oborevwori as both leaders work toward fulfilling their mandates for Delta North and the entire state.
By emphasizing the need for unity, Opia underscored the importance of allowing both Senator Nwoko and Governor Oborevwori to focus on delivering results without being bogged down by internal political disputes.