By Kelvin Ohoror & Matthew Unyove
The people of Isoko nation have endorsed Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second tenure during a briefing today by the Senator at his country home, Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Presenting his score card to the Isoko nation, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas said that, for the past 2 years and 10 months in the Senate, he has been able to attract numerous projects and empowerment to the Delta South Senatorial District.
According to him, he has sponsored several bills in the Red Chambers with some signed into law, while others are waiting for Presidential assent.
These include; Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko (Establishment) Bill, passed and signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amended) Bill, 2023 for the establishment of Federal College of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, Emede, passed by the Senate awaiting Presidential assent, Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Ode-Itsekiri (Establishment) Bill 2023, passed first reading, Federal Medical Centre (Amendment) Bill 2023, Federal Medical Centre, Oleh, passed by the Senate, Federal School of Nursing and Midwifery, Patani, Delta State, (Establishment), Bill 2024, undergoing legislative process, Federal Oil and Gas Hospital, Benikrukru (Establishment) Bill 2025, passed by the Senate awaiting Presidential assent and Oil Gas Content Development Institute, Emede which has passed first reading.
He also pointed out that, on the 2nd of October, 2023, 142 persons were empowered with deep freezers sewing machines, grinding machines, vulcanizing machines and motorcycles.
In 2024, over 1000 persons across the Senatorial District also got other numerous empowerment with provision of strategic equipment for women and the vulnerable persons, 17 persons also fully gained employment from Isoko nation alone.
He also went down memory lane to highlight how the Senate race started, and commended the Isoko people for the oneness demonstrated to secure his victory in 2023.
The Senator also admonished the clergymen for their spiritual support, urging them not to relent.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo however frowned at the people flooding the social media with propaganda of not performing with the aim of bringing him down politically, noting that all the propaganda are coming from Isoko sons and daughters.
He however appealed to Isoko nation to speak with one voice in other to enable him to return back to the Senate for a second term to consolidate on his achievements.
Earlier in his remark, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo said that “Isoko nation should endeavor to support President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term bid and pull at least 300,000 votes in the next general election.
He also cautioned Isoko people to be patient and shunned politics of jealousy and backbiting and concentrate on the dividends that is coming in the nearest future.
In their separate remarks, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, Dr. Barr. Paul Oweh, Hon. Emmanuel Edevor, Chief Mike Usige, Chief Joe Arausi, Hon. Barr. Erezi Esievo and Hon. Benjamin Okiemute Essien, all endorsed Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term, that Isoko will never make the mistake of 2023.
They however commended Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for his outstanding performance in the Senate despite being a first timer at the Red Chambers.
Meanwhile, the President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, in his response said that “Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas at a strategic level in terms of government hierarchy with parliamentary dexterity, should be given a second term to represent Delta South Senatorial District at the Red Chambers”.
Additionally, Isoko nation in a voice vote unanimously endorsed Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term.
Present at the briefing were Isoko Traditional Rulers, Religious leaders, Hon. Jonathan Ajiroghene Ukodhiko, member representing Isoko South and North Federal Constituency, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Barr. Eloho Edivri, Hon. Emamusi Obiodeh, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Christian Iteire, Chief Dan Odhomo, Hon. Theresa Ikrike, Vice-chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council, the two APC LGA Chairmen, councillors from the two local government council, amongst other political stalwarts.
