By Austin Oyibode
Senator Ned Nwoko has underscored the urgent need for responsible leadership and a reordering of national priorities in Nigeria, stating that the country’s deepest challenges go beyond constitutional amendments.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, the Delta North Senator and member of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution called on leaders at all levels to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over narrow political interests.
“Nigeria’s problem is not just about the Constitution,” Senator Nwoko remarked. “Yes, constitutional reforms are important. But far more critical is the absence of patriotic leadership and widespread lack of accountability in our governance systems.”
Citing the United Kingdom as an example, Nwoko pointed out that the UK thrives without a single written constitution because its institutions and citizens uphold national interest and integrity.
“The British system functions effectively not because of a rigid document, but because leadership and institutions consistently place the country above individual or sectional interests. That is the mindset we must adopt in Nigeria.”
He emphasized that good governance must be evaluated not by political speeches or policy documents, but by real, measurable improvements in the lives of everyday citizens.
Senator Nwoko urged a shift in national focus toward key sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, and security, insisting that the well-being of the people should be the ultimate benchmark for success in public office.
“Our people must come first,” he stated. “Every Nigerian deserves a life of dignity, one marked by safety, access to basic needs, and a government that genuinely serves them. Governance must produce results, not just promises.”
Turning to the longstanding demand for the creation of Anioma State, Nwoko reiterated his strong and continued support for the cause, describing it as a legitimate and deeply rooted aspiration grounded in fairness and historical context.
“This agitation is not a product of today’s politics,” he said. “It dates back decades and represents one of the oldest and most consistent calls for state creation in Nigeria. It’s not driven by ethnicity or partisanship—it’s about justice.”
He dismissed any attempt to politicize the movement, emphasizing that the push for Anioma State transcends party affiliations and ethnic lines.
“This is a promise long made to a people who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development. It is only right that we honor that commitment.”
Senator Nwoko pledged to continue advocating for the creation of Anioma State, not for political benefit, but as a duty to the hopes and sacrifices of Anioma’s past, present, and future generations.
