Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North senatorial district, has denied speculations surrounding his alleged gubernatorial ambitions amidst his fervent advocacy for the creation of Anioma state.
The senator made his stance unequivocally clear during a momentous Anioma stakeholders summit which saw participation from all nine local government areas in the senatorial district and convened in Asaba over the weekend.
Nwoko, emphasized that his support for the creation of Anioma state stems from a deep commitment to the welfare and progress of his constituents at the national level, rather than any personal political ambition.
According to him, his commitment was to the advancement of the Anioma people and desire to dispel any misconceptions about his intentions in advocating for the creation of Anioma state.
In an interview where he was asked that his push for state creation indicated a desire to become the first governor, he firmly rejected this notion, stating that the inaugural governor of Anioma State should come from the Ndokwa nation—a region that, despite its economic contributions through oil production, has long been marginalized.
“My goal is to secure freedom for my people. The first governor of Anioma state should come from Ndokwa land. Despite being home to three oil-producing local government areas, the Ndokwa region remains neglected, with its environment suffering from severe degradation,” Senator Nwoko stated.
He highlighted the benefits of state creation, drawing a parallel to the establishment of Delta state from the former Bendel State, pointing out that statehood can drive development, as evidenced by Asaba’s transformation from a small village to a thriving city once it became the capital of Delta State.
Senator Nwoko also noted the political advantages of creating Anioma state, including increased representation in the Senate, House of Representatives and state assembly.