The role of a senator in Nigeria is primarily to represent their constituents at the federal level, advocate for policies that benefit their senatorial district, and influence the allocation of federal resources to their state. However, Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent speech at the APC Secretariat in Abuja raises concerns about his understanding of this mandate. His rhetoric suggests a focus on Delta State politics rather than the broader federal responsibilities expected of a senator. It is necessary to critically evaluate his performance so far, particularly in comparison to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who was instrumental in attracting federal projects not only to Delta Central but to the entire state.
The Mandate of a Senator
A senator is elected to the National Assembly to serve as the voice of their constituents at the federal level. This involves:
- Legislative Functions – Proposing and sponsoring bills that benefit the people of their senatorial district.
- Oversight Functions – Ensuring that federal ministries and agencies implement policies favourable to their constituents.
- Constituency Development – Using federal influence to bring projects, attract investments, and push for policies that improve the lives of the people they represent.
From this framework, a senator is a bridge between the federal government and their constituency.
Ned Nwoko’s Performance So Far
Two years into his tenure, there is little evidence that Senator Ned Nwoko has effectively leveraged his position to attract meaningful federal projects to Delta North or the state at large. Instead, his speeches and public engagements seem more focused on state-level matters, as if he were a member of the Delta State House of Assembly rather than a federal lawmaker.
1. Comparison with Ovie Omo-Agege
A clear contrast can be drawn between Senator Nwoko’s approach and that of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. While in the Senate, Omo-Agege aggressively lobbied for and secured major federal projects for Delta State. Some of his notable achievements include:
- The establishment of federal institutions in Delta State.
- The siting of federal roads and other critical infrastructure projects.
- Influencing the construction of the Nigerian Defence Space School in Delta.
- Facilitating the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, and the Federal Medical University, Kwale.
By contrast, Ned Nwoko’s tenure so far lacks visible impact. His rhetoric suggests a focus on personal ambitions rather than a clear agenda for attracting federal projects.
2. Questionable Priorities
Senator Nwoko’s so-called “star projects” – the Okpai Stepdown and Ogwashi-Uku Dam – are federal government projects that were already in the works. His role has been largely limited to pressuring the Delta State government to take up these projects rather than ensuring their completion by the federal government. This raises questions about his effectiveness as a senator.
3. Political Grandstanding Over Substance
Beyond project execution, Nwoko appears more concerned with publicity stunts and rhetorical speeches than actual legislative work. Public relations campaigns, social media engagements, and political statements do not translate into tangible development. His speeches at political gatherings must be backed by real progress in legislative contributions and federal project facilitation.
The Danger of a Misplaced Focus
Senator Nwoko’s approach suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of his mandate. A senator’s primary responsibility is not to engage in state-level governance but to use their federal influence to drive development. His focus on Delta State politics rather than federal representation shortchanges his constituents.
If Delta North and Delta State as a whole are to benefit from his tenure, he must:
- Refocus on Federal Representation – Engage in legislative debates and sponsor bills that directly impact Delta North and Delta State.
- Lobby for Federal Projects – Actively push for infrastructure, education, and economic development projects from Abuja.
- Deliver Tangible Results – Move beyond media appearances and ensure that federal interventions in agriculture, education, and industrial development reach Delta North.
Two years into his tenure, Senator Ned Nwoko’s performance leaves much to be desired. His focus on state-level issues, rather than leveraging federal influence, suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of his role. Unlike Ovie Omo-Agege, who aggressively pursued federal projects, Nwoko has yet to make a meaningful impact. If he continues on this path, his tenure will be remembered more for rhetoric than results. It is time for him to move beyond political grandstanding and start delivering real development for Delta North.
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