ANIOCHA NORTH CONSTITUENCY II: JUSTICE DELIVERED AFTER 32 YEARS
Today, I celebrate a historic victory for democracy, constitutionalism, and the resilient people of Aniocha North Constituency II.
For over three decades, the communities that make up Aniocha North Constituency II lived with an injustice that should never have persisted in a democratic society. A constituency lawfully created in 1991 and operational from 1992 was effectively erased from the electoral map following the military interruption of democratic governance in 1993. When democracy returned in 1999, the constituency was not restored, leaving thousands of citizens without the representation guaranteed to them under our Constitution.
The people of the Idumuje and Odiani clans, comprising Idumuje Unor, Idumuje Ugboko, Aniofu, Nkwu Nzu, Ugboba, Ugbodu, Idumuogo, Ubulubu, Ogodor and Anioma, refused to surrender their rights. They embarked on a long and difficult journey through the courts, seeking nothing more than justice and the restoration of their legitimate voice in government.
Their struggle was marked by setbacks, disappointments, and years of waiting. Even after obtaining favourable judgments from the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2019, implementation remained frustratingly absent. The highest court in the land had spoken, yet the people continued to wait.
When I assumed office as Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, I considered it my duty to intervene. Democracy is weakened when lawful judicial decisions are ignored. The rule of law becomes meaningless when citizens must wait endlessly for rights already affirmed by the courts.
It was against this backdrop that I sponsored the motion on the floor of the Senate titled “Restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency Pursuant to Supreme Court Judgment.” The objective was simple but profound: to ensure compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court and to restore to the people what had been unjustly denied to them for decades.
The Senate unanimously recognized the importance of this matter and resolved that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should comply fully with the judgment and restore the constituency without further delay. The motion also highlighted a broader national concern regarding constituencies affected by similar circumstances across the country.
Today, I am pleased that the efforts of the Senate, combined with the persistence of the affected communities and stakeholders, have yielded positive results. INEC has now directed political parties to conduct primaries in the restored constituencies ahead of the 2027 elections. This marks a decisive step toward the full restoration of Aniocha North Constituency II.
This achievement belongs first and foremost to the people. It belongs to the traditional rulers who remained steadfast. It belongs to the community leaders who never abandoned the cause. It belongs to the legal advocates who pursued justice through every available channel. It belongs to the men, women, and youths who continued to believe that one day their voices would once again be heard.
The restoration of Aniocha North Constituency II is more than an electoral adjustment. It is the reaffirmation of a fundamental democratic principle that every community deserves fair representation and equal participation in governance.
As we look toward the future, I urge all stakeholders to embrace this victory with unity, responsibility, and renewed commitment to the development of our communities. Let this moment serve as a reminder that persistence, lawful engagement, and collective determination can overcome even the longest standing injustices.
I remain committed to protecting the interests of our people, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that no community within Delta North is denied its constitutional rights.
After 32 years, justice has prevailed.
After 32 years, representation has returned.
After 32 years, the people of Aniocha North Constituency II can finally look to the future with renewed hope and confidence.
This is a victory for our people.
This is a victory for democracy.
This is a victory for the rule of law.
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko
Senator Representing Delta North Senatorial District