By Austin Ogwuda
PIQUED by the hash response to his complaint about the surreptitious use of his picture to drive home the propagation of Anioma State creation proposal, the enstranged Director General of Ned Nwoko Senatorial Campaign in 2023, Hon Paschal Adigwe has fired back.
Although he pleaded that there should be a ceasefire in connection with the raging controversy but carpeted Senator Ned Nwoko for failing to address the issue of wrong use of his picture purported to convince the public that he (Adigwe) was part of the group that recently passed a vote of confidence in Senator Ned Nwoko as well as throwing support for the proposed Bill for creation of Anioma State.
He responded this way in BLOCK letters hereby published verbatim.
IT’S VERY IMPORTANT AND PERTINENT
THAT I MAKE THESE CLARIFICATION WHY STAYING AWAY FROM CRISS-CROSS WITH ANYONE INCLUDING SEN NED.
- MY REQUEST IS THAT THE WRONG USE OF MY PICTURE SHOULD BE ADDEESSED.
- THAT I NEED MY PEACE AND PLEAD MY PICTURE ARE NOT TO BE ATTACHED TO SUCH PUBLICATION FORTHWITH WITHOUT MY CONCENT.
- THAT I NEVER EVER REQUESTED, COLLECTED NOR EXECUTED ANY CONTRACT FROM SEN NED, NDDC OR ANYWHERE ON ACCOUNT OF SEN NED….
SOME PERSONS, ONE KELVIN AND CO WERE LOOKING FOR HOW TO REACH THE SENATOR AS THEY COULD NOT THEY WERE SENT TO ME TO HELP, I TOOK THEIR MATTER TO THE SENATOR FOR A LETTER TO ENABLE SOME STREET LIGHTS BE ALLOCATED TO DELTA NORTH ON THE SENATOR’S REQUEST.
THEY TOOK THE LETTER AND SUBMITTED TO NDDC AND CO AND TILL DATE NOT EVEN AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT HAS COME FROM NDDC AND CO NOT TO TALK OF ALLOCATING THE LIGHTS OR EVEN CONTRACT….TILL DATE.
SO NO CONTRACT EXISTS.
AFTER THIS I HAVE NOT RAISED ANY OTHER REQUEST NOR HAVE RECEIVED ANYTHING SINCE HIS INAUGURATION….
- HAVING CLEARED THIS I WOULD REQUEST THIS MATTER BE RESTED AND WE MOVE ON.
GOD BLESS US ALL.
PASCAL.”
Recall that on Wednesday, Senator Ned Nwoko through his Media office in a statement which his SA Media, Maxwell Peter Nwoko posted on ‘Anioma Watch’ loop took Adigwe to the cleaners
It reads:
“The Media Office of Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko has been drawn to a statement titled “THE ATTENTION OF OUR POLITICAL LEADERS, COMPATRIOTS AND FOLLOWERS” by Honourable Pascal Nwaoranine Adigwe.
“To begin with, in selecting the photograph for the story about Izu Anioma endorsing Senator Ned Nwoko, the intent was to use an image that depicted the connection between Senator Nwoko and Izu Anioma. The photograph included significant elements, such as the customized Izu Anioma traditional attire, making it suitable for the story. We did not aim to misrepresent any individual’s views or affiliations. However, we respect Honourable Adigwe’s concerns regarding this.
“Honourable Adigwe’s statement, dripping with unwarranted assertions, prompts us to address the inaccuracies head-on. Let us dissect this diatribe and lay bare the truth.
“Firstly, Honourable Adigwe’s claim about the photograph taken six months ago is factually incorrect. The photograph in question was taken in March 2024, just three months ago. His lamentation about not setting eyes on Senator Nwoko for a long period is a distortion of facts. Senator Nwoko has made numerous attempts to meet Honourable Adigwe, only to be met with excuses of unavailability, as communicated by Mr. Chiedu Abili Mordi, whom Adigwe himself requested be appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senator.
“Moreover, Honourable Adigwe’s assertion of a six-month communication gap is nothing short of a misstatement. He introduced contractors handling various NDDC projects to Senator Nwoko and was duly provided letters of recommendation. This ongoing professional interaction negates his claims of abandonment.
“When Governor Sheriff Oborevwori visited the Senator in Abuja some months ago, Senator Ned Nwoko invited Honourable Adigwe to join him in receiving the governor. Honourable Adigwe was present, along with others, during this visit. At this meeting, Honourable Adigwe expressed his concerns about the governor not picking his calls or communicating with him as before. This issue was discussed and resolved, thanks to Senator Nwoko’s efforts in facilitating the reconciliation.
“On the matter of Anioma state creation and its regional classification, Honourable Adigwe’s parochial view starkly contrasts with Senator Nwoko’s broad vision for Anioma. Senator Nwoko’s allegiance lies with the entire Anioma populace, not a select few. His principles and actions are driven by the collective interest of Anioma, transcending petty political squabbles. In striving for Anioma’s development, some toes may indeed be stepped on, but this is a small price to pay for the greater good.
“Honourable Adigwe’s dramatic outburst seems less about the photograph and more about seeking an opportunity to sever ties with the Distinguished Senator. If Honourable Adigwe wishes to denounce his support, there are far more honourable ways to do so than grasping at straws.
“The political armament Honourable Adigwe speaks of is built on foundations much stronger than the whims of one individual. Senator Nwoko’s dedication to Anioma’s development is unwavering and impervious to such attacks. The Distinguished Senator remains committed to serving the good people of Anioma with integrity and determination.
“The development and prosperity of Anioma will always be the guiding principle for Senator Ned Nwoko. Anybody’s attempt to create a tempest in a teapot will not deter the Senator’s focus on Anioma’s progress. The end will justify the means, and history will remember those who worked for the common good over those who sowed seeds of discord.
(SGD)
_Media Office of Distinguished Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North).
This above response was sequel to an earlier statement from Adigwe which reads:
“My attention has been drawn to a group picture which includes my humble self, Hon Pascal Nwaoranine Adigwe and some ANIOMA PERSONS who came to ABUJA to visit their Senator, depicting my involvement in a purported vote of confidence and apparent endorsement of creation of Anioma state and its annexture to South East geopolitical zone.
“I consider the use of this picture as a representation of the above highly offensive to my sensibilities, antithetical to my nature as a person, invariant understanding of who we are, where we belong and how we do things.
“I did not fall from the sky, birth place, traditionally, politically and otherwise.
That I graciously accept to put my life and future on the line to assist our brothers in need to win elections with my God given talent, discipline, coordination, gregarity and terrain knowledge to make them succeed do not reduce me to a fool who doesn’t know his roots nor politically schooled enough not to know how things are done, when and where.
“This picture was taken close to six months ago in Sen Ned’s office when Obi Nzemeke, an Obi friend pleaded I took them there (Ned office), knowing I was a Member and could give them easy passage.
“The only topic discussed there was about Pan-Ocean Oil Company cheating Anioma people, and it ended there.
No one has gotten back to me ever since then nor have I set my eyes on Sen Ned or had any further dealings nor interaction with him since over six months now especially as the last messages I sent to him then still remained unanswered till date many months now.
“Our people would attest that I am a very content man who goes about supporting our people to succeed but I know my limit and what spells good for me hence I have to put up this write up to correct the erroneous message this picture and attached captions could maliciously convey especially to the less discerning and gullible minds.
” I AM NOT A MEMBER OF IZU ANIOMA NOR KNOW THEIR MEMBERS,
I WAS NOT PART OF ANY ENDORSEMENT NEITHER AM I IN A PLOT TO PUSH OUR PEOPLE TO SOUTH EAST….IT WAS NEVER DISCUSSED WITH ME….
“I have been taking a dignified silence over many issues including my OGWASHI Dam and many others but allowing everything fly pass is coming together to injure the political armament and goodwill I have built over the years that many have enjoyed its deployment hence I have to correct this narrative before things get out of hands.
“I have incurred a lot of lessons with what I go home with after all these innocent and tortuous gestures of mine, but I have no regret. Lessons have been learnt and glory be to God. I only just plead not to be entangled with further controversies and fights I know nothing about.
“I plead to you, Ned promoters to give me my peace so I can move on unblemished before the political family I belong to, before our people that I adore and God Almighty that I serve and depend on.
