By Austin Ogwuda
EXCEPT for those who were not keenly following his numerous feats achieved in the past may be mouth agape over what prompted Senator Ned Nwoko to initiate the process of getting Ewu King out of Military detention on Friday.
For want of space, permit me to reminiscent on some of the actions taken in the time past to unchain the chained in the society.
Most recent one before initiating the process that led to the release of the Ewu King was the Onicha-olona gun factory incident where members of a family were arrested by the Military and detained in their facility.
It can only take a man with milk of human kindness and most importantly, having the guts to go into the Military ‘den’.
One man showed up, by name Ned Nwoko, a Prince of Idumuje-Ugboko, international lawyer and Senator representing Delta North senatorial district of Delta State, Nigeria.
He braced up, walked up to them (Military) to request that the family members be allowed freedom.
Was he in support of crime or illegal activities? No, but he sold what he considered as a better option rather than incarceration to the Military which was considered appropriate.
Hear him, ”I am pleased to reveal that through collaborative efforts, I have successfully secured the release of four family members implicated in the illegal activity. However, our commitment to upholding the Law remains unwavering, and endeavors continue for fair judgment and potential pardon for the remaining four individuals.
Pointing out the importance of the underlying issue highlighted by the discovery, he stressed the need to seize the opportunity to redirect the talents demonstrated by those involved, towards lawful and productive endeavors.
“That the young man in the family, known for his passion and ability to build drones, exemplified such potential to be harnessed and put to good use.
“The Industrial Revolution serves as a pertinent historical precedent, where individual efforts catalyzed transformative change, made possible by governments that created conducive environments. We can emulate this model here. We can provide support and opportunities for talented individuals like the young drone builder, and stimulate a new wave of innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
“As previously stated, Nigeria’s economy faces significant challenges exacerbated by escalating imports, particularly in the realm of arms and weaponry. Therefore, it is imperative that we harness our indigenous talents for the greater good and bolster our local industries”, Senator Nwoko stated.
And not quite long after securing that family freedom, we was again restless about the fate of the Ewu King in Military detention in Abuja.
He paid him (Ewu King) a visit right in the ‘guard room’ and assured him that he would do all in his power to get him out as quickly as possible.
Having heard such soothing words, the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Ovie Clement Ikolo confessed that that was the very day he got relaxed for the first time since he was bundled into detention.
Nwoko thereafter got his two colleagues in the National Assembly representing Delta Central and Delta South senatorial districts of Delta State involved in the collaborative efforts leading to the eventual release.
Shortly after his release, the elated monarch formally paid a Thank You visit to Nwoko to express his appreciation for the instrumental role the Senator played in his release.
Accompanied by his wife and some family members, the traditional ruler visited Senator Nwoko’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
Hear the monarch, “The day you came to visit me was the day I regained my bearings. Your presence gave me hope”.
His royal majesty (HRM) Ikolo, who prior to this encounter didn’t have a personal relationship with Senator Ned Nwoko, expressed his intention to visit the lawmaker again for further discussions.
In the same vein, the wife of the traditional ruler thanked the Distinguished Senator, especially for his consistent calls and assurances during the king’s detention.
Said the wife, “You have never failed to return calls whenever you promised to do so. You always keep to the time you set. I highly respect you for that”.
In response, Senator Ned Nwoko stated that he is humbled to have been instrumental in the process and grateful that the collective efforts yielded positive results. He encouraged the king not to be discouraged by the ordeal. “Who knows what could have happened if you weren’t detained. Perhaps it was necessary to prevent something worse. Every adverse situation may not always be as dire as it seems,” said Senator Nwoko.
Nwoko who is not a local champion is daring and ready to stand up to any President in the world not even the world powers as he never spared them when the need arises.
He had severally petitioned world powers seeking for reparations for unjust treatment to humanity in various breaches.
Behold Senator Ned Nwoko, the enigma, political sagacious legislator whose Debates on national issues, laced with eloquence, power of advocacy on the floor of the Nigerian Senate are nostalgic and captivating.
Ride on, the pride of Anioma
Ride on, the pride of Delta State, the pride of the Nigerian Nation.
