KWALE/Nigeria: A stakeholder in Ndokwa affairs, Ambassador Chuks Ododo, has endorsed several resolutions reached at the recent General Assembly of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), while warning that the proposed renaming of the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency could trigger fresh divisions among the people.
Ododo said although the assembly adopted a number of initiatives capable of strengthening governance, security and political accountability in Ndokwa land, the decision to seek the removal of “Ukwuani” from the federal constituency’s name risks overshadowing the gains recorded at the meeting.
Speaking in a statement following the June 27 General Assembly held at Ndokwa House, Kwale, he commended the leadership of NNU President-General, Chief Amechi Asugwuni, for convening what he described as a productive gathering that addressed issues affecting the socio-political future of the area.
He particularly applauded the union’s decision to convene a security summit in collaboration with the chairmen of the three local government councils, describing it as a timely response to rising incidents of vandalism, attacks on electricity infrastructure and other security concerns confronting communities across Ndokwa land.
According to him, developing a coordinated community-based security framework would help protect critical infrastructure while creating a safer environment for residents and investors.
Ododo also welcomed the assembly’s decision to require political office seekers to present their manifestos before the people ahead of elections, saying the initiative would promote greater accountability and enable voters to make informed choices.
He further described as commendable the resolution assigning the maintenance and security of Ndokwa House to the three local government councils, as well as renewed efforts to pursue the creation of Ndokwa East Constituency II.
However, the diplomat expressed strong reservations over the assembly’s resolution seeking to rename the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency as simply “Ndokwa Federal Constituency.”
He argued that the proposal was introduced without broad consultation and could reopen old identity debates that have lingered for decades among the Ukwuani and Ndosumili people.
According to Ododo, decisions touching on identity and historical heritage require wider engagement and consensus rather than resolutions reached at a single meeting.
He cautioned that the move could alienate sections of the constituency and undermine the unity the current NNU leadership has been working to build.
While acknowledging Chief Asugwuni’s efforts to reposition the union since assuming office, Ododo appealed to the President-General to reconsider the resolution and allow for broader consultations before any further action is taken.
He maintained that reviewing the decision would not diminish the achievements of the current leadership but would instead demonstrate responsiveness to the concerns of stakeholders.
Ododo expressed optimism that the union’s other resolutions, particularly those relating to security, political accountability, institutional development and the proposed Ndokwa East Constituency II, could deliver meaningful benefits if effectively implemented.
He urged the NNU leadership to ensure that the successes of the General Assembly are not eclipsed by what he described as an avoidable controversy over the constituency’s proposed renaming
