An Open Letter To Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko -By Isaac Asabor

Dear Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko,

I write this open letter to you, sir, not with any intention of intruding into your private affairs, but as a concerned Nigerian who has followed your public life with deep respect and admiration. I have always regarded you as a man of honour, intellect, and influence, and an achiever who has made his mark both in politics and philanthropy. You have been a strong voice for Anioma people and a tireless advocate for the creation of Anioma State. You have also continued to distinguish yourself as a lawmaker of uncommon vision and dedication to the people of Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, who you currently serve, and the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency who you ably represented at the House of Representatives, from 1999 to 2003

It is precisely because of this high regard that I find it necessary to address you at this delicate moment. What has been trending across social media platforms and making rounds in the news about your reported feud with your wife and your in-laws has been disheartening. The tone, content, and frequency of these reports are not palatable. They not only cast shadows on your personal life but, unfortunately, also spill into the public’s perception of your character as a respected statesman.

In every man’s life, no matter how powerful, wealthy, or influential, moments arise that test his patience, humility, and wisdom. It is during such times that one’s true character is revealed. The ongoing public spat, as the reports suggest, is one of such moments. And I write today to humbly urge you, as one who has long stood tall in leadership and public life, to bring this situation to an end.

There is an age-old truth, sir, that nothing under the sun lasts forever, neither joy nor pain, neither triumphs nor conflict. Even the Bible affirms this in Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” This, I believe, is the time for peace. It is the season to lay down whatever grievances may exist and seek reconciliation, for there is no glory in prolonging a feud, especially one that plays out before the watching eyes of millions.

You are a man many young Nigerians look up to, not only because of your affluence or political status, but because you represent the possibility of turning privilege into public good. Through your advocacy for Anioma State, your legislative initiatives, and your philanthropic projects, you have shown that power, when rightly used, can be a tool for progress. But even the greatest leaders are ultimately remembered more for their humanity than their titles.

It is in this light that I appeal to you to take the bold and noble path of reconciliation. As Scripture reminds us in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” There is divine honour in being a peacemaker, particularly within one’s family. Your home, sir, should be your strongest fortress, your most reliable refuge, and the place from which you draw strength to lead others. When peace reigns there, everything else aligns.

It is true that every marriage faces storms. Differences, misunderstandings, and emotional strains are part of human relationships. However, what distinguishes a wise man from the rest is how he responds to conflict. The Book of Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” You have the wisdom, composure, and spiritual depth to apply that principle now. You have faced tougher battles in the political arena, where egos, interests, and rivalries often collide. Surely, with that same grace and patience, you can also mend the walls of your home.

Sir, allow me to state this truth plainly: public family disputes rarely have winners. What they produce are scars, emotional for those involved and reputational for those in the public eye. The comments, ridicule, and online arguments currently surrounding this issue are not befitting of your legacy. They are distractions that threaten to overshadow your great works. But the beauty of life, and indeed of leadership, is that one act of humility can erase a thousand missteps.

Find a way, sir, to wipe off the footprints of this saga from the social media landscape. The same platforms that now host unpleasant stories about you can, in due time, host stories of your forgiveness, unity, and renewed peace. Let the headlines change from tales of division to news of reconciliation. Nigerians are quick to criticize, yes, but they are equally quick to celebrate when someone shows the courage to do what is right.

Your Excellency, as a man of vision, you know that power and prestige are transient. What endure is integrity, humility, and peace of mind. It is easy to build houses, wealth, and empires; but building peace requires spiritual depth and self-control. Romans 12:18 wisely counsels: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” This divine instruction is even more relevant when the “men” in question are members of one’s own family.

Please reach out to your wife. Reconnect with your in-laws. Let forgiveness pave the way for restoration. The world has seen enough of strife, especially in homes that once symbolized unity and success. And remember, reconciliation is not a sign of weakness. It is, in fact, the greatest expression of strength. It takes a humble man to extend a hand of peace when pride would prefer retaliation.

I am reminded of Colossians 3:13, which exhorts us to “bear with one another and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse is not for the faint-hearted; it is for the strong, the kind of strength you have displayed in public life time and again. You have forgiven political opponents, critics, and detractors in the past. Surely, the same grace can be extended to those within your immediate circle.

Sir, it is never too late to restore what has been broken. In fact, the true test of leadership begins at home. By reconciling and restoring peace, you would not only heal personal wounds but also inspire many Nigerians who are struggling with their own family conflicts. You would become a living example that no matter how far relationships drift, love and understanding can still find a way.

Let this moment serve as a turning point. Let peace reign once again in your home. Let those who once spread gossips about the feud begin to share stories of forgiveness and restoration. Let those who mocked begin to marvel at the maturity with which you handle this issue. And above all, let the younger generation see that even in moments of difficulty, humility and wisdom remain the highest forms of strength.

Your political journey, philanthropic works, and legislative record already speak volumes of your achievements. But this, sir, could be your greatest legacy yet, not a bill passed in the Senate, not a project commissioned, but the healing of a home and the preservation of your name.

As Psalm 133:1 beautifully declares, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” That is the peace I wish for you and your family today. May God grant you the discernment to know what to do, the grace to do it, and the peace that follows reconciliation.

With all due respect, sir, I implore you to take this step. End this feud, reconcile with your wife and in-laws, and allow the light of understanding to shine again in your home. You have been a builder of communities, now be the builder of peace in your family.

May wisdom guide your heart, peace return to your household, and grace continue to crown your path.

Respectfully,

Isaac Asabor

Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator