By Deborah Coker
Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), says legislative recesses to him, means increased constituent engagement, rather than a period of inactivity.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said this on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abuja.
He said that as an elected representative for his constituency, he was committed to ensuring that the voices of his constituents were heard and prioritised.
According to him, a true leader must always be accessible and in tune with the needs of his people irrespective of the political calendar.
“Recess is therefore not a time for politicians to go off grid. It is the best time to connect, listen, and address the issues that matter most to the people.’’
The lawmaker who had been engrossed in series of enegagements with his constituents in the last few weeks of his recess said the initiatives aimed at addressing pressing concerns within the constituency.
”I must tell you, that I enjoyed every moment of my recess, because it gave me further opportunity to rub mind with my constituents and know what they want with a view to representing them well.
”These past weeks, I have engaged in town hall meetings across my constituency to discuss local issues, gather feedback, and co-create solutions with constituents.
”I also used this recess period as opportunity to address and intimate my constituents about the creation of Anioma State, how far it has gone, the credence it has received within home and abroad.
”This has been done by encouraging every Anioma sons and daughters home and abroad to embrace and support the creation of Anioma state,’’ he said.
Nwoko also said that he had used the period of the recess to inaugurate various community service initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities within the region.
He noted that effective governance goes beyond legislative duties; as it required building relationships with constituents and being actively involved in their lives.
”In view of this I engaged in establishing open forums for dialogue between my constituents and local leaders to ensure everyone’s voice contributes to the policy making process.
”I also introduced programmes that will support and empower local entrepreneurs, enhance economic growth and sustainability for the Anioma People. For me this is a yardstick to grow local businesses on entrepreneurship for my people.
”Programmes specifically aimed at involving youth in governance and civic activities to ensure that the next generation is prepared to lead was initiated too,’’ he added.
The senator further stressed the need for unity among all party stakeholders in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, all APC faithful irrespective of religion or interest must be united ahead of 2027, so we can consolidate our hold both at the Federal level and state levels.
”We must propagate the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu, the successes of the administration as well as ensure we engage in grassroot politicking.’’
(NAN)