The Ndokwa Concerned Citizens (NCC) has issued a rebuttal statement in response to the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) regarding the Anioma State public hearing.
The NCC, led by Comrade Donald Ibobo, categorically rejected the NNU’s statement, but noted that the NCC is the true voice of the Ndokwa people.
This is contained in a statement issued by Ibobo, saying the NCC questions the NNU’s legitimacy, citing its internal bias and political patronage, which has eroded its moral and political authority.
It reads thus: ”I Comrade Donald I. Ibobo, on behalf of the Ndokwa Concerned Citizens (NCC), write to categorically and unequivocally reject the recent statement made by the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) regarding the public hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State.
”Let it be made abundantly clear: the NNU, as currently constituted, does not speak for the entirety of the Ndokwa people neither the Ukwuani nor the Ndosumili”, it added.
The statementfurther reads: ”Its moral and political authority has eroded beyond repair, and its latest commentary reeks of hypocrisy, partisanship, and desperation.”
”NNU Is Not the Sole Voice of Ndokwa People. The assertion that the NNU is the “only recognised and authorised voice” of our people is a lie rooted in arrogance.
”No democratic society grants monopoly of voice to any group particularly not one entrenched in internal bias and political patronage.
”Our people are free and discerning. They cannot and will not be reduced to subjects of a select elite”, stated Ibobo.
The NCC accused the NNU of being out of touch with the people, manufacturing positions without consultation, and manipulating public opinion.
His words: ”The current NNU executive, handpicked and installed under the political whims of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has failed to inspire confidence or legitimacy.
”Chief Amechi Asugwuni and Jimoh Egwali, by their actions and alignments, have sacrificed communal representation for partisan loyalty.
”The NNU’s overt alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori while simultaneously snubbing Senator Ned Nwoko Ndokwa’s only representative at the National Assembly and a leading voice for Anioma State, is both petty and harmful.
”This exclusion is not just disrespectful; it is strategically divisive.
”Their silence on Senator Nwoko’s efforts, and their backhanded attempts to undermine him, expose an agenda that has nothing to do with Ndokwa unity and everything to do with outdated political alignments. The people see it. They are not deceived, ” he said.
The NCC supported the creation of Anioma State but emphasised the need for an inclusive approach, transparency, and broad-based input.
The NCC commended Senator Nwoko for convening a stakeholders’ meeting on August 31, 2024, which brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss the creation of Anioma State.
He further said, ”Senator Nwoko already consulted the NNU under General Mike Ndubisi’s leadership an era marked by forthrightness and integrity.
”Since then, the union however, has fallen into the hands of individuals who serve themselves and their handlers, not the people. This must end.
”2027 presents a historic opportunity for us to redefine leadership in Ndokwa land. We must demand clarity of purpose, inclusiveness, and untainted representation.
”On August 31st, 2024, at the prestigious Ground Hotel in Asaba, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District, convened a significant gathering of constituents.
”This inclusive meeting brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, youth, women, and various cultural groups from across Anioma to deliberate on the renewed and strategic push for the creation of Anioma State.
”The event provided an open platform for all interested stakeholders to express their views.
”In a remarkable show of unity, all Anioma tribes represented at the meeting gave their strategic and vocal support to the approach outlined by the convener, Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko”, he added.
”This collective endorsement marks a vital step forward in the journey toward realizing the long-standing aspiration for Anioma State.
”It is worth noting that those who chose to stay away perhaps due to past political grievances or personal biases did so to their own detriment.
”The creation of Anioma State is a cause that transcends individual politics; it is a shared vision rooted in equity, representation, and progress for our people.”
The NCC called on all Ndokwa sons and daughters to reject the NNU’s autocratic posturing and support a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable leadership.
It noted that the creation of Anioma State required unity, maturity, and strategic collaboration, and emphasised the need for collective action towards the goal.
