Protest Erupts in Enugu as Alleged ‘Rented Supporters’ of Anioma State Accuse Senator Ned Nwoko of Abandonment After Senate Hearing

A public hearing on the proposed creation of Anioma State descended into chaos on Friday as aggrieved participants staged a protest in Enugu, accusing Senator Ned Nwoko and his team of abandoning them without fulfilling financial promises.

The protest erupted shortly after the Senate Committee on State Creation concluded its hearing at a constitutional review session in Enugu.

The session was part of the 10th National Assembly’s broader effort to assess proposed constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma State Nigeria’s potential 37th state.

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and sponsors the Anioma State bill, led a delegation to the hearing.

According to multiple attendees, they were promised transport, feeding, and stipends for their participation. However, the mood turned sour when, after the hearing, the crowd claimed they were left stranded in Enugu without receiving any agreed compensation.

“This is what Senator Ned Nwoko does he makes promises and doesn’t fulfill them,” one protester said; “He brought people from Delta, used them for a crowd, and now they’re stranded.”

The protesters alleged that logistics and disbursement were handled by Michael Nwoko, a cousin of the senator, who reportedly failed to fulfill the financial agreements. Tensions escalated when attempts to contact Senator Nwoko were redirected to Michael, who was accused of trying to renege on the original arrangement.

Footage from the protest shows visibly angry individuals confronting organizers and demanding immediate payment. Chants and placards accused the senator of using the masses for political theatre without honoring prior commitments.

This is not the first time Senator Nwoko has faced criticism from his constituents. One protesting youth recalled an earlier promise made during Nwoko’s campaign for the Aniocha North Senate seat, claiming the senator had pledged cash incentives that were never delivered.

As of press time, Senator Nwoko had not issued a formal response to the allegations.

The same day, a parallel constitutional review session held in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, also received submissions pushing for state creation and broader restructuring across Nigeria.