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Ned Nwoko and the Hope of Anioma State- Afam Nweze
In the grand theater of Nigerian politics, where promises are as fleeting as the Harmattan breeze and truth is often the first casualty, few characters have mastered the art of illusion quite like Ned Nwoko.
A man of many hats—lawyer, businessman, politician, and self-proclaimed advocate for the people—Nwoko has, over the years, perfected the craft of weaving tales so elaborate they could rival the finest Nollywood scripts. But perhaps none of his narratives has been as audacious, as tantalizing, and as riddled with contradictions as his relentless push for the creation of Anioma State.
For the uninitiated, Anioma State is the proposed carve-out from the current Delta State, a dream sold to the people of the Anioma region as the ultimate panacea for their political and economic woes. It is a dream wrapped in the glittering paper of self-determination, tied with the ribbon of cultural identity, and delivered with the solemn promise of progress. But like most dreams peddled by politicians, this one seems to dissolve upon closer inspection, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and broken promises.
Let us begin with the man himself, Ned Nwoko, the self-appointed champion of the Anioma cause. A man whose wealth and influence are as vast as the Niger River, yet whose commitment to the people he claims to represent often feels as shallow as a puddle in the dry season. Nwoko’s rhetoric is laced with the kind of grandiose declarations that make for excellent headlines but are often devoid of substance. He speaks of Anioma State as if it were a foregone conclusion, a destiny waiting to be fulfilled. Yet, one cannot help but wonder: is this truly about the people, or is it about Ned?
The creation of a new state in Nigeria is no small feat. It requires constitutional amendments, political will, and a consensus among stakeholders—ingredients that are in short supply in a country where political capital is often spent on personal aggrandizement rather than collective good. Nwoko, however, seems to believe that his charm and connections are enough to bend reality to his will. He has lobbied, he has campaigned, he has even taken his cause to the hallowed halls of the National Assembly. But for all his efforts, Anioma State remains as elusive as a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
And then there are the lies. Oh, the lies! Nwoko’s narrative is a tapestry of half-truths and outright fabrications, stitched together with the thread of political expediency. He speaks of Anioma State as if it were the only solution to the region’s problems, conveniently ignoring the fact that state creation in Nigeria has often led to more bureaucracy, more corruption, and more division. He paints a picture of a utopia where resources are equitably distributed, infrastructure is top-notch, and the people live in harmony. Yet, he fails to address the elephant in the room: how will this new state be funded? Where will the resources come from? And who will ensure that the people truly benefit?
The truth is, the creation of Anioma State is not just a political project; it is a smokescreen, a distraction from the real issues plaguing the region. It is a way for Nwoko and his ilk to position themselves as saviors while sidestepping the hard work of addressing the systemic problems that keep the people marginalized. It is a classic case of style over substance, of form over function, of promise over performance.
But perhaps the greatest irony of all is that the people of Anioma, for all their intelligence and resourcefulness, continue to buy into this mirage. They cheer at Nwoko’s speeches, they rally behind his cause, they hope against hope that this time, things will be different. And who can blame them? In a country where the odds are stacked against the common man, hope is often the only currency they have.
So, as the saga of Anioma State continues to unfold, one cannot help but marvel at the audacity of Ned Nwoko. He is a master storyteller, a puppeteer pulling the strings of a narrative that serves his interests while keeping the people chasing shadows. And in the end, whether Anioma State becomes a reality or remains a pipe dream, one thing is certain: the legend of Ned Nwoko will endure, a testament to the power of lies in a land where truth is often the scarcest commodity of all.
In the meantime, the people of Anioma wait, their hopes pinned on a dream that may never come to pass. And Ned Nwoko? He continues to spin his tales, a modern-day Scheherazade, weaving stories to keep the masses enthralled while the real work of nation-building remains undone.
Such is the tragedy of Nigerian politics, where the line between reality and illusion is as thin as a politician’s promise, and the truth is often the first casualty.
Nweze wrote from Lagos.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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