By Kenneth Orusi
On a memorable day in Onicha Olona, the political landscape of Delta State, particularly Delta North was stirred as Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS) and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparation and Repatriation, was officially welcomed into the Aniocha North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event, a significant show of unity and strength, was a powerful symbol of the growing influence of the APC in Delta State.
The occasion was a well-organized affair that brought together a cross-section of party members, political leaders, and supporters.
The LGA party executives, led by the Chairman, Sir Matthew Chinye, played a crucial role in making the event a memorable one.
The highlight of the ceremony was when the party’s symbolic broom, a cherished emblem of the APC, was handed over to Senator Nwoko, formally marking his acceptance into the fold and symbolizing the unity the party stands for.
The Senator, who couldn’t hide his excitement, addressed the gathering with fervour, reflecting on his decision to join the APC. His message was clear: the APC, as he put it, is “a party that truly understands governance.”
Senator Nwoko spoke with optimism about the growing popularity of the party, not just in Delta State but across the country.
“With the increasing reception we are enjoying daily, the APC will stop the PDP from winning future elections in Delta State,” he declared confidently.
His words resonated with the crowd, affirming his belief in the party’s potential to bring about meaningful change in the state.
In his address, Senator Nwoko briefly outlined the factors that led to his decision to join the APC.
At the heart of his shift was his deep commitment to securing what he considered rightfully belonging to the people of Delta North from the Nigerian state.
He highlighted critical issues such as the creation of Anioma State, the completion of the Okpai power plant, and the reticulation of water from the Ogwashi-Uku Dam, which he described as vital to the progress and development of Delta North.
For Nwoko, these were not just political promises, but urgent matters that required action.
Senator Nwoko, a renowned philanthropist with a long history of working for the welfare of his people, was quick to clarify that his defection to the APC had little to do with electoral politics.
“It’s all about the needs of my people and the promises we made to them during our campaign,” he emphasized.
He was adamant that he doesn’t make political statements but rather addresses issues as they are, with a focus on what can be done for the people, rather than the games often played in political circles.
One of the key announcements during his speech was the approval of Aniocha North Constituency 2, which will be eligible to elect a member of the House of Assembly in the 2027 elections.
This was welcomed as a major milestone for the people of Aniocha North, signalling their growing political representation and empowerment.
The Senator, whose influence is undeniably growing, also took the opportunity to encourage APC members in Aniocha North to remain united and resolute in their commitment to the party’s goals.
He reassured them of his readiness to continue working tirelessly to bring the dividends of democracy to the people of Delta North.
Additionally, he shared that President Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu had tasked him and other leaders to unite the APC in Delta State.
Senator Nwoko revealed that he had already reached out to most of the prominent APC leaders in the state, and they had all expressed their willingness to work together for the party’s success, except for the former Senator Barr Peter Nwaoboshi.
Senator Nwoko addressed an allegation made against him by Senator Nwaoboshi, who had accused him of bribing a judge to imprison him.
The Senator vehemently denied the accusation, saying it was false and baseless. He went further to question why such a large sum, $1.5 million (about ₦3 billion), would be spent on a single person, insisting that it would offer him no personal benefit.
Senator Nwoko ended the issue by stating that he would be willing to let the matter rest if Senator Nwaoboshi retracted his damaging claim.
“I did not do it, and I will never do it to anybody,” Nwoko emphasized, reassuring the crowd of his integrity.
The event also saw the attendance of other prominent figures, including Rt Hon Engr Victor Ochei FNSE, who offered kind and supportive words to Senator Nwoko and the party.
His presence reinforced the message of unity and the collective determination to propel the APC to greater heights in Delta State.
As the event concluded, it was clear that Senator Nwoko’s reception into the Aniocha North APC was more than just a political shift, it was a statement of intent for the future of Delta North.
His focus on governance, unity, and the welfare of his people promises to shape the political landscape in the coming years.
