PROTEST ERUPTS IN ENUGU: “Rented Supporters” Accuse Senator Ned Nwoko of Abandonment After Anioma State Senate Hearing
📰 PROTEST ERUPTS IN ENUGU: “Rented Supporters” Accuse Senator Ned Nwoko of Abandonment After Anioma State Senate Hearing
By Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond
For Global Egberi Media International
ENUGU, NIGERIA (July 6, 2025) – What was meant to be a pivotal moment in the constitutional review process turned into a scene of public outrage as a group of alleged “mobilised supporters” from Delta North staged a protest, accusing Senator Ned Nwoko and his team of neglect and broken promises after a Senate public hearing in Enugu on Friday.
The protest erupted shortly after a Senate Committee on State Creation conducted a hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District. The session, which drew large attendance from communities within the Anioma region, was intended to showcase unified support for Anioma's recognition as Nigeria’s 37th state.
However, the crowd’s mood soured quickly when reports emerged that dozens of attendees—mostly youths and elderly supporters—had been abandoned in Enugu without the allowances or logistical support they were promised.
🎯 Behind the Scenes: Broken Promises and Frustration
According to multiple accounts from sources and a video obtained by Sahara Reporters, the supporters were allegedly mobilized from across Delta North communities on the promise of financial compensation, feeding, and transportation. The coordination of the delegation was reportedly managed by Senator Nwoko’s cousin, Mr. Michael Nwoko, who was tasked with organizing logistics and allowance disbursement.
But after the hearing concluded, the group was left stranded.
“We’re not going anywhere until our allowances are duly paid,” one protester was heard shouting in the viral video.“Senator Ned Nwoko brought us from Anioma and left us stranded here in Enugu!”
The protest soon escalated as angry voices confronted the organisers, demanding immediate payment and accusing Senator Nwoko of repeating a pattern of failed promises.
⚠️ A Pattern of Alleged Deceit?
This is not the first time the lawmaker has faced criticism over unfulfilled commitments. A protester alleged that during his senatorial campaign for the Aniocha North seat, Nwoko promised youth empowerment and monetary incentives, which never materialised.
“This is what Senator Ned Nwoko does. He makes promises and never fulfills them,” another aggrieved youth claimed.“We’ve seen this playbook before.”
Despite the uproar, Senator Ned Nwoko has yet to issue an official response regarding the protest and allegations.
🏛️ A Constitutional Moment Undermined?
The hearing in Enugu was part of the 10th Senate’s nationwide constitutional review sessions, and Nwoko’s proposal to carve out Anioma State has been one of the more vocal campaigns at the hearings. Delegates and traditional rulers from Delta North had hoped to project a united front in Enugu and at a parallel session held in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, where restructuring and state creation were key topics.
However, the chaos that followed in Enugu has now cast a shadow over the legitimacy of that representation.
“It’s disheartening that a serious constitutional cause was turned into a political PR stunt — with people allegedly used and dumped,” one observer told Global Egberi Media.
🔍 Public Reactions
The incident has ignited heated debate online. While some users sympathised with the supporters who were left stranded, others expressed disappointment that state creation advocacy is being weaponized through tokenism and political manipulation.
Civil society actors and political commentators have called for greater transparency in civic mobilisation and a clear separation between grassroots consultation and political opportunism.
📢 What Next for Anioma State Movement?
As Nigeria grapples with conversations around federalism, restructuring, and state creation, the Anioma agitation remains one of many demands for increased representation and equity. However, this latest scandal may force advocates to rebuild credibility among constituents and stakeholders.
For Senator Ned Nwoko, the incident is a PR crisis that could erode goodwill, especially among the youth and grassroots actors who formed a key part of his political base.
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