The Ndokwa Professional Network (NPN), a socio-cultural group in Delta State, has sharply criticized remarks made by Senator Ned Nwoko suggesting that the Ndokwa-Ukwuani people are part of the Igbo ethnic group.
The NPN, in a statement signed by its leadership, firmly declared that the Ndokwa-Ukwuani communities have a distinct identity, ancestry, and culture and are not Igbo
Inaccurate and Misleading: The group called the Senator’s comments, which claimed Ndokwa-Ukwuani people speak Igbo and share Igbo ancestry, “factually inaccurate, historically misleading, and culturally inconsistent.” Lack of Firsthand Knowledge: The NPN suggested that Senator Nwoko may lack an accurate understanding of their heritage because he is not an indigene of the Ndokwa-Ukwuani area (he hails from Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North) and spent much of his early life abroad.Distinct Identity: While acknowledging that geographical proximity to the South-East has created “cultural overlaps,” the NPN stressed that their communities have unique governance systems, cultural practices, and ancestral lineage that differentiate them from the Igbo people.
The Ndokwa Professional Network urged all commentators and researchers to exercise sensitivity and avoid generalizations that could distort or erase their distinct identity and history. Basically, they’re saying, “We appreciate the high esteem, Senator, but please keep our ancestry out of it.”
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