Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State | June 14, 2025 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District held a pivotal senatorial meeting on Saturday, June 14, in Idumuje-Ugboko, attracting top party leaders, political stakeholders, and grassroots members from the nine local government areas (LGAs) of Anioma.
The meeting drew prominent APC figures including Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie; Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); Dr. Antonia Ashiedu; Almona Isei of Ukwuani; and Engr. Doris Uboh, a former member of the House of Representatives. Their presence underscored the significance of the gathering as a unifying moment for the APC in Delta North.
The event served as a rallying point for party unity, grassroots mobilization, and a renewed call to push forward the Anioma State creation agenda. Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly and host of the meeting, stole the spotlight with a major announcement of scholarships and a progress update on the state creation bill.
Ned Nwoko Declares Full Scholarships for 90 Anioma Students
In a landmark gesture, Senator Nwoko declared a four-year full scholarship for 90 students—ten from each LGA in the Delta North Senatorial District.
“Because everyone here is from the nine local government areas that make up Anioma, I want to use this opportunity to announce a special scholarship for ten students from each area,” Senator Nwoko stated.
He explained that the scholarships would be offered at Sports University, Idumuje-Ugboko, which, despite its name, offers both sports and academic programs.
Two primary conditions must be met for eligibility:
- The student must be capable of participating in at least one sport.
- The student must enroll in a degree program, which could include options like Cyber Crime Studies, Mass Communication, Biology, or Nursing.
“The idea is to combine sports with academics so that when they graduate, they can pursue careers in either field,” Nwoko added.
Anioma State Creation Bill: “A Done Deal”
Senator Nwoko also gave an optimistic progress report on the Anioma State creation bill.
“We have taken all necessary steps in the Senate. As of today, 75 senators are supporting the Anioma state creation bill,” he disclosed, noting that a public hearing is scheduled for July 4th and 5th in Uyo.
A technical committee will also be inaugurated in Asaba the following day to further drive the process. The senator emphasized that collective support from all Anioma people is critical at this stage.
He highlighted key development priorities, including:
- Completion of the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and power step-down project in Okpai.
- Award of the Asaba/Oko–Okpai–Aboh road project by the NDDC.
- Legislative motions focused on regional development.
“With light and water, people will be happy. That’s why these are my top priorities,” he affirmed.
While steering clear of internal party politics, Senator Nwoko praised the APC’s growth and expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their leadership.
“Delta is one, and we want it to remain as one. I don’t want anyone talking about new APC or old APC — we are one,” he stated.
Victor Ochei Calls for Party Unity and Inclusiveness
Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, reiterated the need for party unity across federal constituencies.
“Our senatorial meetings rotate. This time we are in Aniocha/Oshimili, next we will move to Ika,” he explained.
Welcoming new defectors from the PDP, Labour Party, and other political parties, Ochei encouraged integration and warned against factionalism within the APC.
“Let’s not make our relationships difficult. The party is a uniting force, not a dividing one,” he urged.
He expressed support for:
- President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
- Governor Oborevwori’s continuity in office.
- Senator Ned Nwoko’s return to the Senate.
“There’s still a part of our party missing from this gathering. We must return to our drawing board and bring everyone on board,” he concluded.
Pastor Ossai Nicholas Ossai: Anioma State Creation is Non-Negotiable
Former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Pastor Ossai Nicholas Ossai rallied support for the Anioma State agenda.
“Anioma State creation is a reality. We must all support Senator Ned Nwoko to achieve it because it means development, more LGAs, and more senators,” he said.
He moved a resolution for:
- The creation of a Leadership Council for APC Delta North, chaired by Senator Ned Nwoko and co-chaired by the senatorial chairman.
- Inclusion of all former/current lawmakers, party executives, and LGA leaders in the council.
- Votes of confidence for President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Ned Nwoko.
He also emphasized the value of the rotational senatorial meetings as a unifying party strategy.
Chief Emma Ejiofor Demands Grassroots Commitment
Former Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Emma Ejiofor, urged members to register physically at their respective wards, emphasizing that online registration alone is insufficient.
“Online registration is not enough. Go to your wards and register properly,” he warned.
He criticized any State Assembly members who might be hesitant about the Anioma State initiative.
“If any House of Assembly member refuses to support Anioma state, we are ready to recall them,” he warned. “We will not let a few individuals block this historic agenda.”
Chief Eluaka Adizue Calls for Full Ward Registration
Chairman of the APC Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Eluaka Adizue, echoed the need for grassroots engagement and urged all new members to complete registration at their local wards, alongside the ongoing online membership exercise.
Other Voices: Reaffirming Party Solidarity
Adding their voices to the wave of support were:
- Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Member representing Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
- Dr. Chamberlain Dukwu, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Both leaders reaffirmed the solidarity of their constituents and called for unwavering support for the unity and advancement of the APC in Delta North.
Final Word: Unity, Development, and Anioma First
Throughout the meeting, the dominant themes remained unity, grassroots mobilization, regional development, and the urgent pursuit of the Anioma State creation.
As the 2027 elections approach and the Anioma agenda gains momentum, the June 14 gathering in Idumuje-Ugboko served as a resounding call for cohesion and progress within the APC Delta North family.
