Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has accused Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of sidelining him in matters concerning the state, particularly in the northern senatorial district.

Senator Nwoko also alleged that the governor misrepresented facts regarding the Okpai Independent Power Project (IPP), a project initiated by him to benefit not only Delta North but the entire state.

Speaking through his Director of Communications, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, in Lafia over the weekend, Senator Nwoko expressed disappointment at the governor?s recent claim that the Okpai IPP project was not discussed with him.

Nwoko criticised the governor for what he described as an attempt to distort facts about the project.

The senator emphasised the importance of the IPP project and reiterated his commitment to ensuring its success for the benefit of Delta State residents.

He said: ?The Okpai IPP is a project of immense importance to the people of Delta North and Delta state at large, and Senator Nwoke has been unwavering in his pursuit of its progress. He has been a relentless advocate for the Okpai power step-down project to ensure that Delta North communities benefit from the electricity generated in their region.

?His efforts include, presenting evidence to the Senate and securing a Senate resolution supporting the project. Engaging with the Minister of Power, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN to expedite federal intervention, meeting with oil and gas companies, and conducting on-site tours of the Okpai power plant to push for local electrification.

?Throughout these processes, Senator Nwoke kept the Governor informed, it is inconceivable that the senator would go to great lengths and engage all stakeholders without discussing the project with the Governor, a fellow party man whose election he took great risks to campaign for, even after securing his senatorial seat.

?Why would the senator suggest funding options, including guarantees to financiers, if he has not discussed the project with the Governor? The Governor is expected to provide the needed guarantees on behalf of the government. It stands to reason that the senator undoubtedly discussed the Okpai step-down project with the Governor.

?The Governor?s consistent response has been that the state lacks funds due to loan repayments from the previous administration. Is the Governor now denying the existence of these loans or the ongoing repayments? If funding is a challenge, why has the Governor not prioritized critical infrastructure projects for Delta North?

?The Senator has engaged the Governor on this project repeatedly, alongside other pressing developmental concerns critical to Delta North, including the Ogwashi-Uku Dam and the Asaba-oko-Okpai-Abboh road. Despite these repeated conversations, no assurance was given? he said.

He also lamented that Governor Oborevwori did not consider any of his associates in his administration ?From the outset of Governor Oborevwori?s administration, there has been a noticeable efforts to undermine Senator Nwoke?s position, when commissioners were appointed, none of the Senator?s nominees were considered, the same pattern followed for board appointments and council chair nominations.

?Even during party congresses, the senator was allowed to nominate only two individuals at the state level, only for their original positions to be changed without prior consultations with the senator,? he said.

Despite all these abnormalities, Senator Nwoke preferred dialogue over open confrontation. (The Nation: Text, Excluding Headline)

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