Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil theft, gave the charge on Thursday in Abuja, in his reaction to the defection of the Delta Governor.

He noted that it was a new dawn also for the realisation of the much desired Anioma state.

According to him, with the Delta governor’s defection to the APC, a significant chapter in our nation’s political history is being rewritten.

“This moment is not just about shifting allegiances, it is about the bold possibilities now within reach.

“For the first time in decades, we have a real chance to restructure Nigeria’s federating units through constitutionally backed reforms that serve justice, equity, and true federalism.

“It now behoves on you to rise to this historic moment. The past must not be carried into the future.

“Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.”

He said that Oborevwori, as governor leading the charge among five PDP governors now aligning with the APC, he has stepped into a party re-energised and focused.

According to him, this a party that has begun laying the groundwork for bold constitutional amendments, chief among which is the creation of two new viable states; Anioma and New Delta.

“Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.

“Your defection must not be symbolic, it must be transformative.

”This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development. It is time to right the wrongs of the past.”

The lawmaker added that the creation of Anioma State would finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North.

He said that the proposed New Delta will address the communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.

“For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful tradeoffs from the South.

“We are not lobbying from a place of weakness, we are standing firmly in a position of strength.

“These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy.

”Two new states will mean two new engines of development,” he said.

Nwoko noted that the realignment must mean responsibility.

“This is the golden hour for the South, and especially for Delta. Your move to the APC must be anchored in vision. Embrace the party’s progressive agenda.

”Lead the charge for constitutional reform. Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy,” he added.

Nwoko said that the governors alignment with the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda would ensure that a New Delta and Anioma is not left behind.

He added that the state would also benefits from the vast opportunities available at the centre.(NAN)

Wike gave the commendation in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okowa, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okowa decamped alongside Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and other PDP stalwarts in the state, collapsing the entire PDP structures in the state to the APC.

Wike described the development as another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.

He called on other Nigerians, who were still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for Tinubu.

According to him, Okowa and Oborevwori open endorsement of Tinubu is a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.

“I commend Okowa and Gov. Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not to be running up and down when they have problems.

“They have come out at the right time to show support for Mr President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them for it.

“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the “Renewed Hope train,” the minister said. (NAN)

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, gave the assurance in a statement while welcoming the governor to the APC.

He said the APC was highly elated by the decision of Oborevwori to join its fold along with eminent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

This, he noted, included the state’s immediate past governor and vice-presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and senior administration officials.

Morka added that the defectors also included PDP Delta leaders and members of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors.

“Our great party welcomes this important development, and assures the governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika Federal Constituency.

“We are delighted that Delta now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“And to the enduring good and prosperity of the people of Delta and all Nigerians,” the APC spokesman said. (NAN)