ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, representing the Delta North senatorial district, played host to the Anioma Traditional Rulers Council at his Maitama residence in Abuja on Friday. The council was well-represented by His Royal Majesty, Obi Chukwuka Daniel Ogbodo JP, the Obi of Atuma-Iga kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Obi Uche Irenuma I I, the Obi of Abavo Kingdom.
During the meeting, critical concerns about the senatorial district were addressed. The deplorable state of Federal roads emerged as a central issue, with Obi Uche Irenuma I I highlighting the adverse effects of the absence of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) during the Buhari administration. He stressed that this had a detrimental impact on road maintenance in the region, leading to an urgent need for reconstruction.
“One of the pressing issues in our senatorial zone is the deplorable state of all the Federal roads. In the past, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was responsible for maintaining these roads, ensuring their continuous upkeep. Unfortunately, FERMA was removed during the Buhari administration in an attempt to combat corruption, leaving a void in road maintenance,” said Obi Uche Irenuma I I.
He continued, “This absence of FERMA or an adequate alternative has had a detrimental impact on the condition of all Federal roads in Delta state. The roads are in dire need of reconstruction, and had FERMA remained active or a suitable replacement been established, the situation might not have deteriorated to this extent.”
Furthermore, concerns about transparency in oil production within the district were raised. Obi Irenuma expressed, “Additionally, our senatorial district, which you represent, is a significant producer of crude oil and gas in Nigeria. Notably, Okpai hosts the largest gas plant in Africa. Despite the profitability of the oil companies operating in our area, there is a lack of transparency regarding the quantity of crude oil and gas produced by our communities.”
He added, “For example, in Abavo Kingdom, which has approximately 8 oil wells, the indigenous population cannot accurately quantify the oil and gas production, making it challenging to assess if the social responsibility efforts by these international oil companies align with what they take from us. We request that our production data be accurately recorded in the national database to ensure that our communities receive their rightful share of community social responsibility from these companies.”
In response, Senator Nwoko reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people and understanding the district’s issues, saying, “I was elected because I willingly committed myself to serve the people. Prior to the election and my current position in the state, I had a deep understanding of the issues that our district faced. My election was no accident; I comprehended the unique challenges our people were confronting and what needed to be addressed.”
He continued, “I deliberately chose to be a part of various Senate committees that align with the critical issues in our senatorial district. I have an intimate knowledge of all the problems in our district, especially those related to oil companies operating with impunity, where our communities are not adequately compensated and serviced.”
Senator Nwoko also pledged to scrutinize contracts between International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the federal government to ensure transparency. He acknowledged the significance of addressing issues related to illegal bunkerers and the need to increase oil and gas production for national revenue. He advocated for legalizing artisanal refining to empower local refiners and stressed the importance of road infrastructure improvements.
The senator assured the traditional rulers that he is committed to addressing various aspects such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the youth, leaving no stone unturned to better the district.
The meeting between Senator Ned Munir Nwoko and the Anioma Traditional Rulers Council marks a significant step towards addressing the pressing concerns of the Delta North senatorial district, promising a brighter future for the region.
