The people of Ndokwa nation in Delta North Senatorial District have stated that they share common destiny and same story of deprivation with the Ijaw of the state as a people grappling with multifaceted challenges of underdevelopment and environmental degradation.

The remark was made by Brigadier Gen. Mike Ndubuisi (Rtd), President General of Ndokwa Neku Union, highest socio-cultural organisation of Ndokwa nation in Delta State on Wednesday 14th of June 2021 during a consultation visit by the Delta Ijaw for Governor 2023 lobby team at Ezhionum community in  Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

Gen. Ndubuisi commended the Ijaw delegation for the seriousness displayed in their lobby to produce the next governor of the state.

He stated: “Looking at the list of members from your team, we can see the seriousness of the Ijaw ahead of 2023.”

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According to him, the Ndokwa, like the Ijaw in the state, speak with one voice, noting that he would convey their appeal to the Ndokwa nation and take the right decision at the appropriate time.

In her remarks, Prof. Julie Umukoro, National Woman Leader of Ndokwa Neku expressed hope that the visit will mark a new beginning in Ndokwa quest for justice.

Earlier, leader of the Ijaw delegation,  Alaowei Broderick Bozimo appealed to the Ndokwa nation to give full support to the Ijaw governorship bid come 2023.

Bozimo who spoke on behalf of the Delta Ijaw for Governor 2023 lobby team noted that the Ijaw speaking people and Ndokwa nation are people with peculiar challenges and that a governor of Ijaw extraction would appreciate the peculiar challenges of the Ndokwa nation and do the needful.

Alaowei Bozimo who reiterated that the Ijaw have been supporting others in their governorship bid by voting across all the senatorial districts and ethnic nationalities since the creation of the state, made a case for the Ijaw to be supported to produce governor of Delta State in 2023.

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Elder Bozimo further informed the Ndokwa nation that three capable Ijaw sons, namely: His Excellency, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sen. James Manager, Senator Representing Delta South Senatorial  District and Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi, former commissioner for Agriculture, Delta State and Chairman of Burutu LGA have indictaed their interest to contest the 2023 governorship election.

He expressed his confidence in the capacity of the trio to govern the state, if given the opportunity.

Sounding philosophical, Bozimo said there is time and season for everything, saying “this is our time and season: I believe that the hand of God is deeply involved in this Ijaw for 2023 governorship because all the narratives favour the Ijawn. We will all dance to Asaba to install a new king in the Government House who will be an Ijaw man, our God specialises in impossibilities,” he said!

On zoning, Alaowei Broderick stated: “Power has gone round to all the three senatorial districts in Delta State, hence it is not out of place for an Ijaw man from the Delta South Senatorial District to become governor come 2023, the Ijaw have sacrificed a lot economically, politically and otherwise to merit the governor of Delta State come 2023 (Sic).

“This is not an ethnic matter, we are part of Delta State hence we should be given a sense of belonging. We have competent aspirants that can deliver and that those who disregarded zoning in the past and contested all Governorship elections in the state have no moral justification to talk about zoning.”

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He further commended Governor Okowa for his clarification on the issue of zoning in the state and the circumstances of his emergence as governor of Delta State.

Those in the delegation delegation include: Gen. Broderick Demeyeibo (rtd); Dr. Barry Gbe, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Delta State;
Hon. Daniel O. Yingi, Special Adviser, Nominee; Chief J.T Government, Chairman, Governoring Board, Delta State School of Marine Technology Burutu; Barr. Newworld Safugha, Executive Assistant to the Governor, Renewable Energy.

Others include: Hon. Paul Kurugbe, Member, SPEB, Barr. David P. Ekerokosu; Chief James Nieketein;
Hon. Collins Olorogun; Eng. Ezonfade Oyakemeagbegha, INC Publicity Secretary; Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete – IYC Western Zone Chairman; Hon. Joel Bisina PhD; Eric Omare; Roland Oweilaemi;
Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete – IYC Western Zone Chairman among others.

The Ndokwa Neku Union was represented by, Dr. Chukwumeke Ojieh, Sec.Gen; Prof. Julie Umukoro, Woman Leader; Engr. Eugene Agadaga- P.R.O; Mr. Ifeanyi Odachi-Youth Leader.

Other dignitaries are: Maj. Agali (Rtd), Chief V.O.T Abanum; Engr. Meshach Ochonogor; Chief Enejide; Mr. Timothy Umukoro; Ogbuefi Efe; Hon. Oji; Chief Mrs Rita Enu; Barr. Mrs Omude,b Hon. (Mrs); Egbune-j Vice Chairman Ukwani L.G. A, Chief Prince Obi Nzekwu President of Ndokwa Clans among others.