News
Okpai IPP project: Don’t distort the fact, Delta North need dev. — Senator Nwoko. tells Gov. Oborevwori’s
By David Odama
The senator representing Delta North senatorial zone in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko has advised the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori to spread development to all parts of the state in order to give all Deltas a sense of belonging, purposeful direction especially the Independent power project in Okpai Community.
Senator Nwoko in a statement by Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, Director Communications, while responding to government House press release in Asaba on governor Oborevwori’s Claims on Okpai IPP, urged the governor not to distort the facts on the Okpai IPP project rather focus on the development of the state.
“The remarks attributed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori regarding his interactions with Senator Ned Nwoko on the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP), in a Government House release titled “2025 Budget: Oborevwori vows more devt for Deltans”.
“The Governor’s media team has been quick to highlight issues surrounding the previous administration’s borrowing and Governor Oborevwori’s efforts to repay those loans. There is nothing new or inflammatory in the Senator’s comments.
*Contrary to the Government House’s claims, it is untrue that the Governor has acceded to any of the Senator’s requests for appointments or developmental projects. Despite Senator Nwoko’s repeated efforts to collaborate with the Governor, his recommendations for Commissioner positions, board appointments, and other representative roles have been disregarded.
“We therefore want to distance senator Ned Nwoko from the governor’s claims that he never discussed Okpai IPP with him. This is a distortion of facts and necessitate immediate clarification”.
“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. Senator Nwoko has been a relentless advocate for the Okpai Power Step-Down Project to ensure that Delta North communities benefit from the electricity generated in their region.
” His efforts include: Presenting evidence to the Senate and securing a Senate resolution supporting the project. Engaging with the Minister of Power. Engaging the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to expedite federal intervention”.Meeting with oil and gas companies and conducting on-site tours of the Okpai power plant to push for local electrification.
“Throughout this process, Senator Nwoko kept the Governor informed. It is inconceivable that the Senator would go to great lengths and engage all stakeholders without discussing the project with the Governor—a fellow party man whose election he took great risks to campaign for, even after securing his senatorial seat”.
“Why would the Senator suggest funding options, including guarantees to financiers, if he had not discussed the project with the Governor? The Governor is expected to provide the needed guarantees on behalf of the government. It stands to reason that the Senator undoubtedly discussed the Okpai step-down project with the Governor”, the statement declared..
The Governor’s consistent response the statement added, has been that the state lacks funds due to loan repayments from the previous administration. Is the Governor now denying the existence of these loans or the ongoing repayments? If funding is a challenge, why has the Governor not prioritized critical infrastructure projects for Delta North?, the statement questioned.
* The Senator has engaged the Governor on this project repeatedly, alongside other pressing developmental concerns critical to Delta North, including the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and the Asaba-Oko-Okpai-Abboh road. Despite these repeated conversations, no assurance was given. This led Senator Nwoko to refuse when asked to move a vote of confidence in the Governor’s administration during the last Delta North caucus meeting in Asaba. The Senator’s open reluctance marked the beginning of the impasse between him and the governor.” the statement added.
“Senator Nwoko openly stated that he was uncomfortable endorsing the Governor’s leadership because none of these vital projects had been addressed, nor had the Governor given any assurances. While caucus members advised the Senator to discuss these issues privately, he had already raised them in confidence with the Governor.
Senator Nwoko is not asking for contracts; he is advocating for water, electricity, and roads for his people, promises made not just by individuals but by the party. Everything Senator Nwoko said in the video referenced by the Governor reflects what he had already discussed with him”
“The Senator has been upfront with the Governor, insisting that it is unacceptable to consistently claim a lack of funds for critical Delta North projects when the state’s revenue is known. The video clip of the Senator discussing with NNU members merely echoed what was already common knowledge.
“From the outset of Governor Oborevwori’s administration, there has been a noticeable effort to undermine Senator Nwoko’s position. Despite this, the Senator preferred dialogue over confrontation, engaging with the Governor and other Delta North party officials, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Dan Osai, Elder Moses Iduh, and former Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“When Commissioners were appointed, none of the Senator’s nominees were considered. The same pattern followed for board appointments and council chair nominations. Even during party congresses, the Senator was allowed to nominate only two individuals at the state level, only for their original positions to be changed without prior consultation with the Senator. *These actions exemplify the systematic undermining of the Senator’s influence within the party”.
“Appointments are not merely about political patronage; they are essential for effective governance and the implementation of the party’s manifesto by excluding the Senator’s nominees, the Governor has alienated key stakeholders, weakened grassroots support, and compromised the party’s ability to deliver on its promises, the statement alleged.
*Governor Oborevwori repeatedly stated that his hands were tied by the influence of former Governor Okowa.* It was Okowa who contacted Senator Nwoko regarding two state executive council positions. This raises fundamental questions about representation: What value does the Senator’s position hold if his suggestions are consistently undermined?
“Senator Nwoko also proposed a state-owned airline,* citing the success of Akwa Ibom’s model and the potential for substantial revenue. The Governor dismissed this and other transformative projects, such as a railway system, healthcare improvements, and educational infrastructure, citing financial constraints.
Other facts allegedly distorted at the center of the controversy according to the statement include the Governor requesting Senator Nwoko to abandon the pursuit of the creation of Animals state , claiming it was not part of the PDP’s agenda,* asking him who he represents.
“The creation of Anioma State is a people’s movement for equity, justice and recognition, supported overwhelmingly by the region. It is a struggle that the Senator did not initiate but represents the hopes and aspirations of a people, with historical significance.
“These ongoing challenges underscore the urgent need for Anioma State as the State representative on the Senate Constitutional Review Committee, Senator Nwoko has made significant progress in advancing the bill for Anioma State. This initiative is not a mere political aspiration but a necessary solution to the systemic neglect Delta North faces.
“Neglect of Delta* North’s Development
Despite contributing significantly to the state’s economy, Delta North continues to face neglect. Many communities lack electricity, Clean water remains a luxury due to the stalled Ogwashi-Ukwu Dam project.
Insecurity prevents farmers from accessing their lands.
Senator Nwoko has consistently delivered for his constituents through:
Scholarship programs benefiting students across Delta State. Installation of Solar Street lights and boreholes. Establishing Africa’s first Sports University in Idumuje-Ugboko. Securing federal job placements for Delta North indigenes.
Conducting free medical outreach, surgeries and equipping Primary Healthcare Centers.
Senator Nwoko remains committed to Good Governance and will continue to advocate for Delta North’s development, ensuring his constituents receive the representation they deserve.
“The Statement from Government House that Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko lied should be withdrawn immediately.*
While we welcome the interest shown to collaborate with the Distinguished Senator by the Governor as stated in the Government press release, and 200 Billion reserved for road development in the State , it is hoped that Delta North will receive a fair share of this allocation for some of critical interventions, stated above.
“We urge the Government House to
Withdraw the statement and the media aide issue an apology acknowledging 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.