Governor Oborevwori Clarifies Interaction With Senator Ned Nwoko Over Okpai IPP, Reassures Ndokwa Nation, Deltans Of Inclusive Development In 2025

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has addressed public concerns regarding his alleged interaction with Senator Ned Nwoko over the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) project, dispelling claims of neglecting Ndokwa Nation and the Delta North Senatorial District.

The Governor provided the clarification during a courtesy visit by leaders of the Ndokwa Neku Union, led by Brigadier-General Mike Ndubuisi (Rtd), to the Government House in Asaba. The visit created an opportunity for the governor to respond to assertions made by Senator Nwoko in a viral video and subsequent public discourse.

In September, a video surfaced in which Senator Nwoko alleged that he had asked Governor Oborevwori to facilitate the step-down of 100 megawatts from the Okpai Power Plant to benefit Delta North but was met with refusal. Senator Nwoko also claimed the Governor ignored proposals to address the Ogwashi-Uku Dam project and the Asaba-Oko-Okpai-Aboh coastal road project.

The allegations ignited a media spat between aides of both political leaders, with Senator Nwoko’s team asserting that the governor’s inaction demonstrated neglect of the Ndokwa Nation.

However, during the meeting with Ndokwa Neku Union, Governor Oborevwori refuted the allegations, emphasising that he never discussed the Okpai IPP or other projects with Senator Nwoko. The governor stated that their only interaction was regarding political appointments, which he granted.

“Sometimes as a governor, you see and hear things but choose not to respond,” Oborevwori said, adding, “The only time Ned came to see me was to solicit appointments for his people, which I granted. When I saw the video, I just smiled. Maybe he didn’t know it would go viral.”

Governor Oborevwori who highlighted his administration’s commitment to Ndokwa Nation and Delta North, noted that 27 projects are currently ongoing across Ndokwa’s three local government areas. He added that the 2025 state budget includes significant allocations for infrastructure development thus: N2 billion for road projects in each local government area, N50 billion earmarked for road infrastructure across the state; and N200 billion for additional road construction statewide.

The Governor reassured the delegation that his MORE Agenda (acronym for Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security) is designed to benefit all Deltans, including the Ndokwa Nation.

In response, Senator Nwoko’s media team accused the Governor of distorting events, asserting that the Senator had engaged Oborevwori and other party leaders on the Okpai IPP and other projects without progress. However, Governor Oborevwori’s supporters dismissed these claims as exaggerated and lacking evidence.

The M.O.R.E. Reality Group (MRG), a support group for the Governor, criticised Senator Nwoko’s approach, describing it as politically motivated and disrespectful to the governor’s office.

Despite the controversy, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed his commitment to delivering inclusive development across the state. “The Ndokwa Nation is not and will not be neglected by our administration,” he assured.

With significant infrastructure funding secured in the 2025 budget, Delta State remains poised for accelerated development, underscoring the Governor’s vision for unity and progress in the state.