The single most striking fact in this story is that Senator Ned Nwoko's media team has asked Ifeanyi Okowa, a former governor of Delta State, to drop his senatorial ambition for Delta North in the true spirit of statesmanship. They're asking Okowa to step down and support the incumbent Senator Nwoko. This request is made in the spirit of what the media team calls true statesmanship, taking a cue from President Bola Tinubu, who chose to build others and support them in their political careers after serving as a senator and governor. He didn't just focus on his own ambitions, but also helped others build their careers.

Senator Ned Nwoko has been a key figure in Delta State politics for many years. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, during which time he was closely associated with the then Governor, Chief James Ibori. At that time, Ifeanyi Okowa was still working his way up the political ladder, positioning himself for a commissioner role. Okowa wasn't yet a major player, but Nwoko already was. Nwoko was operating within the inner circle of the state's power brokers.

This is evident from the fact that Nwoko was already a member of the House of Representatives, while Okowa was still seeking entry into the state's political elite.

The Story Unfolds

In 2014, ahead of the 2015 general elections, the political climate in Delta North reached a decisive moment. The then Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Professor Chike Edozien, took the historic step of constituting an Anioma think tank. The think tank had a clear mission: to ensure that Anioma would finally produce a governor. The think tank, which included respected figures such as Uche Okpunor and Chief Uzor, settled on supporting Ifeanyi Okowa for the governorship. Nwoko was placed in charge of mobilizing Aniocha North delegates, a task he performed with great diligence.

He did this despite receiving devastating news about the death of his son on the day of the primaries. It was a difficult time for Nwoko, but he didn't let it stop him from working for Okowa's campaign.

A Test of Leadership

The 2019 elections presented another test of Nwoko's commitment to the people of Delta State. Nwoko knew that Okowa wasn't supporting his senatorial ambition, but he chose to stay within the PDP. He didn't defect to the APC, which had offered him a senatorial ticket. This decision demonstrates Nwoko's unwavering commitment to the people of Delta State. He's willing to put their interests above his own personal ambitions.

It's a testament to his strength of character and his leadership qualities. Nwoko didn't prioritize his own ambitions over the needs of the people.

The Request

The media team is asking Okowa to take a cue from President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu chose the path of building others and supporting them in their political careers after serving as a senator and governor. They argue that this is the mark of enduring leadership. It's about elevating others and strengthening the system beyond oneself. Okowa should consider this approach. He should think about what's best for the people of Delta State, not just his own ambitions.

IF I WERE IFEANYI OKOWA, I WOULD TAKE A BOW AND LEAVE THE STAGE WHILE THE OVATION IS STILL HIGH — STEP DOWN AND SUPPORT SENATOR NED NWOKO IN THE SPIRIT OF TRUE STATEMANSHIP, IF NOT IN REMEMBRANCE OF PAST SACRIFICES.

The media team's request is clear: they want Okowa to step down and support Nwoko. They're asking him to prioritize the interests of the people over his own ambitions.

The request by Senator Ned Nwoko's media team for Ifeanyi Okowa to step down and support Nwoko is

a call to statesmanship. It's a reminder that true leadership is not about personal ambition, but about putting the interests of others above one's own. Okowa shouldn't just think about what he wants; he should think about what's best for the people of Delta State. The people of Delta State will be watching with great interest as this story unfolds. They're waiting to see how Okowa will respond to the request.

Okowa's response will show whether he's committed to the people of Delta State or just his own ambitions.

Key Facts

  • Senator Ned Nwoko was a member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.
  • Ifeanyi Okowa was a two-term governor of Delta State.
  • Nwoko was placed in charge of mobilizing Aniocha North delegates during the 2015 governorship primaries.
  • Okowa's influence over Delta North council chairmen has created an environment where independent decision-making is sacrificed at the altar of allegiance.