Okowa Defends Record, Backs Consensus On Anioma State
Former Governor Highlights Health Reform Record
IMMEDIATE past Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has pointed to his role in the passage of Nigeria’s National Health Act as a key part of his public service record, while outlining his case for a return to the Senate.
Okowa, who is seeking to represent Delta North Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks during consultation meetings in Oshimili North and Oshimili South local government areas.
Addressing party stakeholders and supporters, the former governor said he served as lead sponsor of the bill that became the National Health Act, describing it as one of the most impactful healthcare laws enacted in Nigeria.
Why the National Health Act Matters
Signed into law in 2014, the National Health Act established a legal framework for healthcare delivery and introduced the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services nationwide.
The fund has been used to support:
Primary Health Centres
Renovation and upgrading of frontline facilities.
Maternal and Child Health
Support for vulnerable women and children.
Health Insurance Access
Expanded coverage for low-income citizens.
Essential Services
Improved delivery of basic care in underserved communities.
Okowa argued that the law has continued to benefit millions of Nigerians beyond the period of its enactment.
Senate Bid and Representation Argument
The former governor, who represented Delta North in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, said calls from constituents motivated his decision to seek a return to the Red Chamber.
He maintained that his legislative experience, national exposure and knowledge of parliamentary processes would enable him to effectively defend the interests of Delta North.
“Our voice cannot be muffled,” he said, suggesting that seniority and experience can help attract federal attention and development projects.
Anioma State Debate Re-emerges
Okowa also addressed the longstanding agitation for the creation of Anioma State.
He said he was not opposed to the proposal, but insisted that any process must reflect the collective will of the Anioma people rather than narrow political interests.
According to him, the proposed state should consist of the nine local government areas in Delta North, remain within the South-South geopolitical zone and retain Asaba as capital.
He rejected attempts to alter Asaba’s administrative status, describing such proposals as contrary to regional interests.
Call for Consultation, Not Division
The former governor warned against misinformation and politically driven narratives surrounding the state creation debate.
He stressed that constitutional processes, timelines and consensus-building must be respected if the proposal is to succeed.
Political observers note that the Anioma State question remains one of the most emotionally significant issues in Delta North politics.
Local APC Endorsements
During the consultations, local APC leaders in Oshimili North and Oshimili South reportedly pledged support for Okowa’s senatorial ambition.
A highlight of the meetings was the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Okowa as sole candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Bigger Political Meaning
Okowa’s remarks suggest a campaign strategy built on two pillars: policy legacy and regional identity.
By foregrounding his healthcare record while engaging the Anioma State conversation, the former governor appears to be blending governance credentials with local political sentiment ahead of 2027.
