Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has addressed the recent controversy surrounding a viral video in which Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, accused the state government of neglecting key issues such as the Okpai Independent Power Plant and the Ogwashi-Uku Dam.
The governor who spoke in a meeting with the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) led by its President-General, Brigadier General Mike Ndubuisi (rtd), held at government house, Asaba, Wednesday, 27th November, 2024, denied ever discussing such matters with the senator and expressed disappointment at the allegations.
Oborevwori stated, “When I saw the video that went viral, I was shocked. The senator representing Anioma nation never discussed any issue of the Okpai power plant or the Ogwashi-Uku dam with me. The only time Senator Nwoko came to see me was to solicit appointments for some persons from the Ndokwa nation, which I granted. Maybe he didn’t expect the video to go viral, but he hasn’t had the courage to call me about this issue till today.”
Oborevwori emphasized that Senator Nwoko should focus on delivering on the mandate given to him by the people of Anioma. He urged the senator to engage with his constituents through regular briefings and visible empowerment programs.
“When I was Speaker, I used to hold quarterly briefings with the people. Let him brief the Anioma people who elected him. I’ve not seen any empowerment initiatives from him. The people entrusted him with their mandate, and he owes them results. He should think about how to empower his people and address their needs,” the governor said.
The governor highlighted the misconception about the roles and responsibilities of state and federal government officials. He noted that the matters raised in the viral video were not discussed with him and questioned how a senator could expect the state to take up federal responsibilities without proper communication.
“In the video, he talked about me giving him money to pay a company for the Okpai project. I want to make it clear: he never discussed that with me. If there are issues we can resolve as a state, he should come and discuss them,” Oborevwori said.
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He added, “We are partners with the federal government, and it is his responsibility to advocate for federal interventions. I don’t wait for Abuja to fix federal roads; we maintain them because they are used by our people.”
Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Delta State, including Ndokwa communities, and stressed the ongoing projects across the state as evidence of his administration’s dedication.
He said, “I stay in the state because I want to be remembered for my work. You can see projects are ongoing, whether they are federal or state roads. Look at the flyovers in Warri; they are federal roads, but I didn’t wait for Abuja to fix them. We are building capacity for our people and ensuring no community, including Ndokwa, is left behind.”
The governor urged all stakeholders to collaborate for the benefit of the state. He advised Senator Nwoko to focus on his legislative duties and to advocate for federal projects that benefit his constituents.
“He is my brother and my friend. If he has any issues to discuss, he can reach out to me. The Ndokwa people do not need to wait for a senator to leave his work in Abuja to address their needs when we have capable leaders here, including the Deputy Governor,” Oborevwori said.
