Senator Nwoko Attributes Nigeria’s Challenges to Leadership, Not Constitution
Senator Ned Nwoko (APC–Delta), a member of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, has argued that Nigeria’s core problem lies not in its constitution but in the absence of patriotic leadership and accountability.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Nwoko emphasized that the nation’s issues stem from a lack of commitment to national interest and effective governance.
Representing Delta North Senatorial District and serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Nwoko acknowledged the importance of structural reforms but stressed that leadership is the critical factor. He pointed to the United Kingdom as an example, noting that despite lacking a single codified constitution, the UK functions effectively through Acts of Parliament because its leaders and institutions prioritize the nation’s welfare. “Governance must be measured not by the number of summits or speeches, but by tangible improvements in the lives of citizens,” he said.
Nwoko urged a shift in Nigeria’s priorities to focus on the well-being of its citizens, ensuring they feel secure, supported, and valued. He advocated for increased investment in key sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, and security to drive meaningful change.
Addressing the long-standing push for the creation of Anioma State, Nwoko clarified that the demand predates his birth and remains Nigeria’s most persistent call for state creation. He rejected efforts to frame the agitation as a political or zoning issue, asserting that the desire for Anioma State unites all Anioma people across political divides. “The report is inaccurate, misleading, resentful, and malicious,” he said, referring to misrepresentations of the movement’s intent.
Nwoko’s remarks highlight a broader call for leadership that prioritizes accountability and citizen-focused governance while addressing longstanding regional aspirations like the creation of Anioma State.