Ndokwa-Ukwuani Group Counters Ned Nwoko’s Claim on Igbo Identity

The Ndokwa Professional Network (NPN) has faulted Senator Ned Nwoko’s recent claim that the Ndokwa-Ukwuani people are of Igbo origin and speak the Igbo language, describing his remarks as historically inaccurate and culturally misleading.

In a statement signed by NPN President Nigel Ojji, General Secretary Dr. Great Ijomah, and Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Edike Kaine, the group emphasized that Nwoko’s comments “do not reflect the authentic heritage or identity of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani people.”

“While we respect Senator Nwoko as a legislator and advocate for Delta North, his comments are factually inaccurate, historically misleading, and culturally inconsistent with the realities of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani people,” the statement said.

The group noted that Senator Nwoko, who hails from Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area, is not an indigene of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani region — which includes Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, and Ukwuani LGAs — and may therefore lack firsthand knowledge of the people’s origins and traditions.

They explained that while there may be linguistic or cultural overlaps due to geographical proximity, Ndokwa-Ukwuani and Igbo are distinct ethnic groups, each with its own ancestral lineage, traditional governance systems, and cultural expressions.

“Ethnic identity transcends linguistic similarities. To conflate language affinity with ethnicity is a historical and anthropological error that risks erasing the unique heritage of an entire people,” NPN stated.

The group stressed that Ndokwa-Ukwuani communities possess distinct languages, traditional institutions, chieftaincy titles, and spiritual systems unique to their cultural evolution, adding that reputable scholars have long recognized their separate identity.

They maintained that Nwoko’s statement was his personal opinion, not a reflection of historical or anthropological fact, and urged Nigerians to approach ethnic discussions with “intellectual diligence and cultural sensitivity.”

“The NPN remains committed to preserving the integrity of Ndokwa-Ukwuani identity, promoting informed dialogue, and fostering unity based on mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Delta State and Nigeria,” the statement concluded.

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