The Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide (AYF-W) has condemned attacks on the Senator representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko and called on the Delta State government to address issues raised by the Senator .
Senator Ned Nwoko received backlash following his remarks and disclosures during a recent consultation visit to the leadership of Ndokwa Neku Union at the residence of the President General, Gen. Mike Ndubuisi (Rtd), at Ezionum, Ukwuani local government area of the state.
A statement by the National Publicity Secretary AYF-W Comr. Ekwukwo Elvis expressed worry over the barrage of attacks from government appointees and others who have capitalized on the situation to vilify Senator Nwoko.
He said “we find it disturbing that the Senator, who is merely executing his constitutional mandate of providing oversight on developmental projects within his senatorial district is being maligned and subjected to such unwarranted attacks.To us, these deliberate attacks are well orchestrated to harass, intimidate and gag him. This has become unacceptable to all concerned youths of Anioma,” he said.
He explained that Senator Ned Nwoko’s comments are well within the scope of his responsibilities as an elected representative of Delta North. His role mandates him to ensure that all developmental projects within his jurisdiction are fully serviced and completed for the benefit of the Anioma people and Anioma land. Therefore, he has the full backing of Anioma and any attempt to frame his legitimate concerns as being controversial is both misleading and unjust to say the least”.
The Youth group warned all those recruited in the ‘dangerous escapade to cease all forms of such harassment or intimidation aimed at Senator Nwoko’.
According to the group “His recent moves to unlock all snags impeding on the development of Anioma land aligns with the collective aspirations of the Anioma people and as such, we stand in full solidarity with his efforts and remain unwaivering in our support on this issue.
“Furthermore, we unequivocally assert that Senator Nwoko’s advocacy for development in Delta North mirrors the genuine concerns of the Anioma people. It is unacceptable to neglect the development of Delta North on the grounds that the State Government is preoccupied with servicing of loans, among other flimsy justifications. The equitable allocation of resources is not negotiable and must reflect the interests of all senatorial districts of the state, including Delta North,”.
The group urged Senator Nwoko not to be discouraged, deterred or intimidated by these attacks, adding that his relentless pursuit of justice and calls for equitable allocation of resources for vital projects in Anioma lands is a cause we wholeheartedly endorse.
The group further called on the Governor of the state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to take into account all the areas of concerns raised by Senator Nwoko with a view to addressing them, “as such is the hallmark of good leadership and governance”.
“Moreso, we urge the state government to prioritize balanced allocation of resources for development of all Senatorial districts of the state with special interests on signature projects that will uplift the living standard of the people such as seeing to the completion of the Okpai IPP and the Ogwashi Uku Dam amongst several key and impactful infrastructures scattered across the state,” he said.
