By Barth Ozah
After a successful outing in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, which was followed by what could be regarded as a ‘circuitous journey’ in the last two decades, Prince Ned Nwoko has made it to the senate, a position he has desired for almost 20 years.
As a representative of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency at the green chamber, Nwoko gave an impressive performance in the core functions of a legislator viz: lawmaking, oversight and representation.
He was the leader of the famous ‘Millennium Group’, whose aim was to foster good legislative and executive relationship. For four years he was listed among the ten most vibrant members in the House of Representatives on account of his legislative prowess. He had contested for the post of Deputy Speaker, which he narrowly lost to Chibudum Nwuche.
Notable projects he influenced were the completion of Asaba/Benin dual-carriage way, the Onicha-Ugbo Idumuje-Ugboko/Ewohimi expressway, as well as the construction of NTA station in Asaba and Delta State Police Headquarters, Asaba among others.
In the area of lawmaking, between 1999 – 2003, Prince Nwoko sponsored twenty-two (22) bills that had direct bearing on the people and equally moved the all-important motion for the National Conference. The bills sponsored by this erudite, UK trained lawyer include the following: Bill for the establishment of National Information Network Centre,
A bill for an act establishing a National Disability allowance, A bill for an act for prohibition of corporal punishment in schools, A bill for an act for compulsory vehicle road worthiness test, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reform bill (2000).
They also include; a bill for an Act to establish Public Funds recovery and reward commission (Whistle blowing), a bill for the establishment of a National minimum wage council, National minimum wage bill (1999), bill for an Act to standardize allowances and fringe benefits payable to public government officials- Monetization Bill, Bill for an Act for continuity of evidence in court proceedings among others.
It is imperative that a brief background of this lawmaker per excellence is given to enable readers appreciate where he is coming from. Hon. Ned Nwoko is a blue blood from the revered stool of Idumuje Ugboko, in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State.
Before coming to serve his people at the National Assembly, he had already set up and maintained one of the leading black law firms in the UK, where he practiced as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Nwoko was the lead consultant for the recovery of over deductions from Paris and London clubs debt buyback funds. He is currently the Chancellor Sports University, Idumuje-Ugboko.
Despite his performance and accomplishment, he never gloated about returning to the green chamber by way of second term but rather, he contested for the governorship of Delta state in 2003, losing to the then incumbent governor James Ibori. He believes that governance is all about services to the people and not an avenue for wealth acquisition.
In 2007, Nwoko began his quest to go to the senate. He contested the primary of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, but he lost controversially to Mrs Marian Ali, whose husband was at the time, the national chairman of PDP.
As Anioma defender, he never gave up but rather he prepared himself ahead of 2011 general elections were he contested for the senate under the platform of the Democratic People’s Party DPP, again losing to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa in a hotly contested election.
However, following the growing agitation by the people of Anioma to produce the governor of the state, Prince Nwoko ignored all entreaties by the opposition parties to join their fold to contest for the senate due to his love for Anioma people rather he decided to shelve his interest and work assiduously for the enthronment of a governor of Anioma extraction, which saw the emergence of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in 2015 as the governor of the state.
Again in 2015, he squared up with Senator Peter Nwaoboshi leading to a protracted legal battle between the duo and at the end Nwoko lost to technicalities at the supreme court.
As it was written, according to the Book of Ecclesiastes 3, there is time and season for everything under the sun. 2023, appeared to be the appropriate time for the manifestation of the long nursed dream of Prince Nwoko, whose singular aim was the emancipation of the people of Anioma through robust representation.
Nwoko has never hidden his love and quest to represent and see that Anioma land is given its due and development. He has been championing Anioma cause for many years. Over a period of time of political contest, Nwoko has built a lot of bridges among the Anioma communities.
His eventual emergence at 2023 general elections did not therefore come as a surprise because, apart from being the candidate of the ruling party, he also had the right messages for the people and they believed in him and they voted for him.
His promise to empower one million youths with N50 million yearly for four years, dredging of the River Niger and execution of shore protection projects for coastal communities, particularly in Oshimili South and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas, as well as initiate legislation to control gas flaring, if elected as a Senator, resonated in the minds of the electorate.
Although there are many development issues such as rural electrification, security challenges, potable water, roads, education, health care facilities and of course the agricultural sector, which are plaguing the Anioma nation, what is not in doubt however, is Nwoko’s abilities to address these concerns.
Over the years, Nwoko’s support for people has distinguished him from other politicians. Here is a man who spends over N100 million Naira yearly on philanthropy, a politician that believes no members of the national assembly should earn more than the teachers. He became the first legislator in 1999 – 2003 to donate his entire furniture allowances to fund a scholarship scheme for Anioma students.
Now that he has mounted the saddle as a senator and soon to be the highest political office holder in Anioma, it is expected that he will focus on legislations and policies that will ensure rural electrification across Anioma communities. The Independent Power Project IPP, Okpai in Ndokwa East LGA which was stepped down in Obosi, Anambra state is currently supplying electricity to the FCT and its environs, whereas Kwale and communities around it have been without electricity for almost a decade. Nwoko should see this as priority.
The completion of Ogwashi-Uku and Aniofu, near Idumuje-Ugboko dam projects, should also get the priority attention of Nwoko.
Recall that Nwoko financed the study and design of Aniofu dam but it was moved to Ogwashi-Uku, he has since succeeded in having the Aniofu dam project resuscitated. The projects, when completed, are expected to supply potable water and serve other purposes for Anioma people.
Priority attention and necessary legislation are also required against the menace of gas flaring so as to find a way of ending it in the state before the 2030 global deadline. Apart from the deaths, farmlands around the gas flaring areas have withered, leaving their owners in hunger, starvation and despair. Ndokwa communities have suffered enough of degradation as a result of flaring of gas and explorations by oil companies operating in their areas.
Although there are many development issues begging for attention, however Prince Nwoko has pledged to continue using all his abilities and resources to champion the Anioma cause, if elected senator. Now that he has been elected, we know he will keep his promises.
Hon. Barth is a journalist and the Councillor representing ward 7 in Ndokwa West LGA.