The remarks attributed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State regarding his interactions with Senator Ned Nwoko on the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), as shared by the government house press unit and his media aide, Ossai Ovie Success, titled “2025 Budget: Oborevwori vows more devt for Deltans …says Nwoko never discussed Okpai IPP with him,” are a perplexing distortion of events, and for what it’s worth demand corrections.
The Okpai IPP is a project of immense importance to the people of Delta North and Delta State at large, and Senator Ned Nwoko has been unwavering in his pursuit of its progress.
Contrary to the claims in the release, Senator Nwoko has consistently engaged with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other senior party leaders, including:
The Deputy Governor;
Elder Moses Iduh,
Engineer Dan Osai,
Former Party Chairman, and
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The Senator has engaged the Governor on this project repeatedly, alongside other pressing developmental concerns critical to Delta North, including the Ogwashi-Uku dam, as well as the Asaba-Oko-Okpai-Aboh road. Despite repeated conversations with the Governor on these matters, no progress has been made, and no assurance was given.
Road projects needed in Delta North.
Asaba-Oko-Okpai-Aboh Road – Enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade.
Onicha Ugbo-Ugboko-Ewohimi Road – Boosting regional integration.
Obomkpa-Ubulubu-Ogodo Road – Linking rural communities.
Ubulu Unor-Ashama Road
Supporting rural access and economic growth.
Asaba-Ubulu Okiti to Agbor Road Maintenance Ensuring road sustainability.
Ebu to Onicha Olona Road – Connecting underserved areas.
Umutu-Isumpe – Owa Alidima Road.
Facilitating commerce and agricultural activities.
All these roads hold significant value to the economic life of the people.
It was the governor’s unwillingness to attend to these very issues that caused Senator Ned Nwoko to hesitate in moving a vote of confidence in the Governor’s administration when asked to do so during the caucus meeting. In fact, the Senator’s open reluctance to move the vote of confidence marked the beginning of the impasse between the two parties.
Senator Ned Nwoko openly stated that he was not comfortable endorsing the Governor’s leadership because none of these vital projects had been addressed, nor had the Governor given any assurances that they would be addressed.
The caucus members advised the Senator to discuss these requests with the Governor privately, but the Senator had already brought these matters to him in confidence until he felt compelled to raise them in the caucus meeting.
That said, these issues are far from private. Senator Nwoko is not asking for contracts; He is advocating for water, electricity, and roads for his people that they made promises to — not just as individuals, but as a united party family.
Everything Senator Ned Nwoko said in the video the Governor made reference to is a direct reflection of what he said to the Governor in person. Senator Nwoko has been upfront—you can’t tell him that funds aren’t available for these projects that are very critical to his constituents when he knows exactly how much revenue the state is pulling in.
The clip merely echoed what was already common knowledge. The Governor’s media team has been quick to amplify the issues surrounding the previous administration’s borrowing, as well as Governor Oborevwori’s efforts to repay those loans. There’s nothing new or inflammatory about what the Senator said—it’s the same truth that has been circulating long before that clip was released.
Regarding state appointments, from the outset of Governor Oborevwori’s administration, there has been a noticeable effort to undermine Senator Ned Nwoko’s position. Despite this, the Senator chose to overlook it.
To begin with, when commissioners were appointed, none of the nominees the Senator suggested were selected. Board appointments followed the same pattern, as did council chairmen nominations — all determined without any input from him.
Even during party congresses, the Senator was only asked to nominate two individuals at the state level, and yet their original positions were changed without any prior notice. He learned of this change on election day itself.
These actions epitomize the height of undermining, and yet, he chose not to complain or express animosity. It is not as though the Senator failed to make recommendations; rather, they were completely ignored.
Governor Oborevwori repeatedly responded to the Senator’s requests by stating that his hands were tied, as the immediate past Governor, Okowa, remains in control of Delta North. In fact, it was Okowa himself who reached out to Senator Nwoko regarding the appointment of the two state executive council members.
This raises fundamental questions about the essence of representation and governance: what is the value of the Senator’s position if his suggestions are swiftly dismissed, relegating him to the role of an observer, with his contributions to the urgent needs of his people disregarded like fallen leaves?
Among the projects Senator Ned Nwoko proposed to the Governor was the establishment of a state-owned airline, akin to the successful model in Akwa Ibom, emphasizing the state’s resources and the compelling demand for such a service. While the Governor expressed concerns regarding its viability due to associated costs, Senator Nwoko firmly contended that it would not only be self-sustaining but would also generate substantial revenue.
At the centre of the controversy is the struggle for Anioma State and the Governor’s outright resistance. He bluntly told Senator Nwoko to drop the pursuit, questioning who he truly represents and claiming that Anioma State is not part of the PDP’s agenda. But Senator Nwoko made it clear that elections are over and that his duty is to the people—all Anioma people, Deltans, and Nigerians.
Former Governor Okowa, too, has taken a stance against Anioma State. But, for Senator Nwoko, the creation of Anioma State is not about political affiliations or party lines. It is a people’s movement—a fight for equity, justice, and recognition, supported overwhelmingly by the masses. Senator Nwoko has vowed to carry the struggle to its logical conclusion, no matter the obstacles, because Anioma State is not just an aspiration; it is a rightful demand whose time has come.
Senator Nwoko fully understands the importance of good governance and will never compromise on this principle.
Senator Nwoko is a committed party leader who worked tirelessly during the election to secure the Governor’s mandate.
If the Senator went to great lengths in
securing a Senate resolution supporting the Anioma project, then nothing will stop him from seeing to its successful actualisation.
Engaging with the Minister of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
Meeting with oil and gas companies and conducting site visits to push for local electrification.
Why would he not discuss with the Governor? It is inconceivable.
Throughout this process, the Senator kept the Governor informed.
While it is acknowledged that the state faces financial challenges, Senator Nwoko has proposed practical Public-Private partnership (PPP) solutions to fund key projects.
Two companies have expressed interest in financing the Okpai Power Step-Down and Ogwashi-Uku Dam, with a repayment model based on monthly billing. Unfortunately, these proposals have not been embraced by the state government.
It is encouraging that the Governor’s 2025 budget earmarks ₦200 billion for road infrastructure. We remain hopeful that these proposed projects will be accommodated within this allocation, as they are critical to the development of Delta.
In addition, the Senator has suggested a statewide Railway Network – to link economic hubs and reduce transportation costs. Ika already has a railway, making it easier and cheaper to link other local government areas in Delta to the network.
These initiatives, if implemented, would significantly impact the state’s economic development and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Senator Nwoko’s recommendations for appointments, including commissioners and board members, were not mere political patronage. These nominations were strategic, aimed at ensuring effective governance and implementing the party’s manifesto. Unfortunately, these recommendations have been overlooked, alienating key stakeholders and weakening the party’s grassroots.
As a member of the Senate Constitutional Review Committee, Senator Nwoko has made significant progress in advancing the quest for Anioma State.
The creation of Anioma State would:
Address the systemic neglect of Delta North.
Ensure equitable distribution of resources and representation.
Strengthen the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Despite the challenges, Senator Nwoko has continued to deliver for Delta North through:
Scholarship Programs – Supporting students across the state.
Federal Appointments – Securing job placements for constituents.
Healthcare Initiatives – Annual free medical outreach and health interventions.
Community Empowerment – Providing assistance through his open-door policy.
Solar Street Lights and solar powered bore holes. Enhancing security and economic activity in communities.
Moving Forward
The statement from Government House suggests that Senator Nwoko lied
We urge the Government House to:
- Withdraw the statement and the media aide, Ovie Success Ossai, issue an apology, acknowledge the Senator’s efforts.
- Prioritize Delta North’s development in line with its contributions to the state.
- Foster collaboration with Senator Nwoko to address the afore listed pressing needs of the people.
- Directorate of Communication
Office of the Distinguished Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial Zone
