The Senator-Elect, Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, spoke with some journalists on issues ranging from his humble beginning, his sojourn in politics, his election as Senator, expectations from NASS and how he intends to represent his District in the 10th National Assembly.

Happy reading;

CAN WE MEET YOU?

My name is Joel-Onowakpo, Thomas Ewomazino but I am popularly known as JOT, being the acronym of my surname and first name. I am an Isoko man from Delta State. Professionally, I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI). I hold a Masters Degree in Technology Management from the Ogun State University, and I am an alumnus of Harvard Kennedy School of Government. In 2003, I was listed in the ‘Who is Who in the 21st Century’ by the International Biographical Center, Cambridge. Traditionally, I am the Idudu of Emede kingdom and the Majidadin Kaigama Katsina.

CAN YOU TELL US LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I started my career life as a sales boy in Okwegbe and Sons in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State before going to Lagos to look for greener pastures. In Lagos, I worked briefly in Muk-dap Nigeria Limited as Accounts and Admin Manager before moving to Onothome Ofo Thirlwell & Co (Chartered Accountants) to start my professional artisanship. I left the firm as the working partner in 1997 to establish my own firm, Joel-Onowakpo & Co (Chartered Accountants). From 1994 to date, I have ventured into several businesses as an entrepreneur and I am happy to say that the YAAAGLO Holding Limited has come to stay by God’s grace. YAAAGLO Holding is a conglomerate with major interest in Hospitality, Real Estate, Mining, Civil Engineering and General Merchandise.

HOW DID YOU VENTURE INTO POLITICS?

I started my political career in Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Delta State in the 2003 general elections with Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru as the governorship candidate against our national leader, Chief James Onanefe Ibori of People’s Democratic Party (PDP). After the 2003 election, Chief Ibori initiated a move coordinated by Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan and Chief Ighoyota Amori that brought us to PDP in 2004. In 2006, my uncle, Chief Joseph Onothome Udevieme Ofo (of blessed memory) and his friend, Chief Sargeant Uredi projected me for the Delta State House of Assembly election. In spite of the huge support I got from them, which was coordinated by the then honourable member in the House of Assembly representing my constituency, Chief Ross Uredi, I was requested to stepped down a night before the primary election for my opponent, Chief Benjamin Efekodo (who eventually won the main election in 2007) in an intervention meeting attended by Chief Solomon Ogba, Chief Josiah Iroro, and Chief Erezi Esievo.

After the 2007 elections, the then governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, out of the kindness of his heart appointed me as the Transition Committee Chairman of Isoko South Local Government. This eventually made me a Council Chairman {lol}. The same governor at the end of my tenure after few months, appointed me as the first Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) in 2009. While serving in this Board, God favoured me with inspiration and ideas. My footprints are everywhere in Delta State. We moved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N12 Billion to N56 Billion annually, built state of the art infrastructure as offices across the State and created massive employment. In 2016, after the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President of our beloved country, my mentor, former colleague and friend, Tunde Fowler, was appointed as Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and in his attempt to hunt for the best brains in the profession, I was invited to join the revenue administration as Deputy Director/State Coordinator overseeing Rivers, Edo & Delta States. In 2018, I resigned my position, I left the PDP, and joined the APC to contest the House of Representatives election for the Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency but lost.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF DELTA, HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. EMMANUEL EWETA UDUAGHAN?

I consider him as my father and mentor. We have a very excellent relationship. He, I will say, perfectly understand my person. He has supported me in all my dreams politically. In two different occasions, I have consulted him about my ambition and critical political decisions that were to impact significantly on my political future and he offered me his very honest and selfless advice. For me that is the height of relationship. When the pressure to contest this senatorial seat was on me, he was the person I called and he encouraged me to run for the position. And he supported me all the way despite the fact that he was constrained and didn’t do all he would have done because of party affiliation. But there was never a day he stopped picking my calls no matter the timing. The wife (I call her mama), is truly a mother and her support has been extraordinary.

LET ME TAKE YOU A LITTLE BACK INTO HISTORY, WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS EXCELLENCY, CHIEF JAMES ONANEFE IBORI?

He is our leader, a father and a mentor. Unfortunately, perhaps, I never had opportunity to work with him directly when he was the governor of the State. His track records are laudable and visible everywhere. Fortunately for me, we became very close during my senatorial race, an avenue where I discovered why many people don’t call him by name but just refers to him as ‘Odidigborigbo’. His words are his bond. From the first day I met him where he offered me his support till today, he has not wavered. He is indeed a political father and I will always honour him.

AS IT STANDS TODAY, YOU ARE THE SENATOR-ELECT, DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT UNDER THE PLATFORM OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC), WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE AND THE DEPUTY SENATE PRESIDENT, SENATOR OVIE OMO-AGEGE?

He is my brother, my friend and my leader. He was the vessel God used to make me a Senator. He was the one who saw what was in me and took time to visit me and pressured me to contest for the position and after I finally agreed to run for the office, DSP Omo-Agege stood firmly for me and with me all through the process. I can tell you that he has a kind heart and mean well in all he does. I believe that he is greatly misunderstood sometimes. But the truth is that he has the best interest of his people at heart and always willing to serve to change the ugly narratives. I am telling you this just for you to know that we are good together.

HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOUR PARTY DID NOT WIN THE GOVERNORSHIP SEAT IN DELTA?

Well, I have taken it in the spirit of sportsmanship. However, this matter is still before the Tribunal, I am very optimistic that we will win at the tribunal. I encourage all our supporters to remain calm and be prayerful. so I wouldn’t want to speak more. But permit me to say that it would have been better for me if my candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, emerged the winner of the election because that would have made my job seamless. It would have been very easy because his wealth of experience as a distinguished Senator of high repute would have been brought to bear in governing the state while I am in the Senate contributing my quota. In the meantime, I just give glory to God that the party will be having two Senators from Delta State in the Red Chambers while waiting for the verdict at the Tribunal.

HOW DO YOU FEEL AS A SENATOR-ELECT?

Laughs…I don’t feel any different. Maybe it is as a result of the fact that I haven’t began my duties as a legislator. So, I am still the JOT you know. However, I wish to let you know that I feel fulfilled, for it is a dream come true. I will forever remain grateful to God and the good people of Delta South Senatorial District, nay Delta State, for finding me worthy of this important assignment. Besides, this mandate was given to me by the good people of Delta South basically to serve and as a servant, all I think of now is how to serve my people properly. For now, I am glad and appreciative to my constituents, supporters and God for according me this opportunity to be Senator. I just want to get into the Red Chamber and start my job.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT?

My vision is to serve the people of my Senatorial District to the best of my ability. I want to give them the best of representation. I want them to feel the impact of government and I want to leave the office better than I met it. This is why during the campaigns I anchored my manifesto on the acronym, ‘DUE’, which stands for Drastic Infrastructure Development, Unique Empowerment Initiatives and Effective Legislation. Being one of the senatorial districts that lay the golden egg in terms of revenue generation to the treasury of this country, Delta South deserves more than crumbs. I believe the time has come to accord Delta South what is ‘DUE’ her.

AS AN INDIVIDUAL, WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF THE 10TH NASS AND HOW WILL YOU FACILITATE SUCH EXPECTATION?

If truly the National Assembly is the second arm of government, I want them to live up to that expectation in a very professional way that is not confrontational with other arms of government, especially the Executive. There should be mutual respect for all arms of government with the sole aim of serving the people of this country. This country is currently in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The National Assembly while supporting the other arms of government, should prevent this country from going into extinction. This is not the time to engage in unnecessary controversy or parochial drives. But a time when all stakeholders sincerely synergize with the interest of moving this country to where we earnestly want it to be. This should show in our services to our people and the nation. The 10th National Assembly should be known for professionalism, selflessness, progress, national integration and unity. Personally, I will try to ensure that what is due the different geopolitical zones is given to them. Some of the major challenges facing this country are divisiveness, selfish interest, and lack of trust. By the time we begin to see ourselves as one indivisible entity, the quest to fight for one region against the interest of another will be a thing of the past.

WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE CURRENT LEADERSHIP STRUGGLE IN NASS?

I have been away. However, I am aware that there are a lot of persons jostling for the principal positions. To me, what is happening is expected and I have no reservations absolutely. As a first-timer, I will watch carefully, as a loyal party man, the interest of my people and party will come first before another.

IT IS RUMOURED THAT THE A TACIT ENDORSEMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO AS THE NEXT SENATE PRESIDENT BY THE PRESIDENT- ELECT, WHAT IS YOUR TAKE?

I am not aware, I have heard it just the way you said it. To me, like my name, ‘Thomas’, I consider this as mere speculation. And I want to beg the press not to give the President-Elect unnecessary baggage. The issue about the leadership of NASS is a sensitive one. I will expect that whoever emerges, should be so from a process. It is the duty of the candidates to earn the respect and trust of their colleagues. And these colleagues should be able to take ownership of the leadership. Doing anything to the contrary, will amount to the President-Elect taking side. So, if asked, I will say that, the President-Elect has not endorsed anybody to my knowledge. The field is free for all who are qualified to aspire. And the last thing that this NASS won’t want to be associated with is that, “they are rubber stamp”. Even if we want to be rubber stamp, I am pretty sure that we will do it with some level of dignity. Therefore, let the best man win.

FEW DAYS AGO, THE NWC OF YOUR PARTY {APC} CAME UP WITH A ZONING WHICH STATE IN CATEGORICAL TERMS THE ZONING AND THE PREFERRED CANDIDATES, DON’T YOU THINK, THE ISSUE OF WHO BECOMES THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND OTHER OFFICES IS A SETTLED MATTER?

I also saw the letter, and if it is the letter you are referring to, I think you need to read it again, and possibly read in between the lines and you will understand that some persons are trying to play a fast one and the NWC of our party was so smart to spot the game and quickly did the right thing by issuing a subtle disclaimer. Simply put, the NWC is saying, they were presenter with a report as stated below but because they were not convinced, they have asked that further consultation and harmonization should be done that will safeguard the interest of all concerned. From the above, how do you see that letter has an endorsement or a settled case? Persuasion, interaction, compromise and all instrument of bargain has to be deployed to reach a consensus.

WHO IS YOUR CANDIDATE?

I currently don’t have any candidate. I just came back and I have spoken to all candidates. Since I came back, however, I have met three of the candidates. I am yet to meet with the remaining three. I am still accessing my options and I will finally align with the person that will support my vision in developing my Senatorial district and give the Senate the best of leadership. I have only one vote, I have no control of other Senators vote, and I intend to use that vote wisely. But like I said earlier, the interest of my people and party will top others. I am aware that my people voted for me because they trust me and that I will do the right thing. I do not intend to take that trust lightly. My focus is, what will benefit my people and move Nigeria forward. I am not in NASS to make friends that will not add value to my people and make Nigeria better. Primarily, I am here to be a voice to the constituents of Delta South, a place with massive production of crude oil and gas yet in abject poverty. I want that story to change. I don’t know how the government will be able to do it, but I want our cities to benefit from their God-given resources. I am here to make friends who see reasons to be sympathetic to our plight and who will join me to change the story. Anything short of that, please count me out. And I want to say this for the benefit of all, my one vote has only one condition, the welfare of my people. My vote will not support argument for religious or ethnic imbalance. My vote will go for the best man.

WHILE YOU WERE ON VACATION, THERE WERE SERIES OF PUBLICATIONS BY YOUR OPPONENT CHALLENGING YOUR ELECTION, WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THAT?

It was brought to my attention. I didn’t bother to read it. Michael Diden is my brother and friend. We grew up in similar circumstances, and we were offered similar opportunities in life, which have brought us to where we are today. It wasn’t by our power or what we know how to do best that has brought us to this level. Everything we have today is God-given. And I know he is aware of this. He shouldn’t be misled to think otherwise. We went into a contest and I emerged a winner. He has gone to court to challenge that victory which is alright, because it is within his right to do so. Writing in pages of newspapers for a matter you have taken to court shows that he wants to be a judge in his matter. I expected that his advisers would have told him that it is a wrong move. I personally didn’t spend time reading it because, judgement is not going to be given by the many newspapers paid to carry a story. However, I have excellent relationship with him. He knows, we are both made of the same stuff, let him go and find out. It will be in our mutual interest for him not to fight me. We have had enough fight!

WHAT IS YOUR ASSESMENT OF THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, SENATOR AHMED TINUBU?

The President-Elect is a man I have tremendous respect for. I am grateful to God that I am a Senator at a time he is the President. I consider this a unique opportunity and privilege to draw inspiration from him. I know he mean well for the country and he is more than determined to do good. My prayer is for him not to lose focus. He should just stick to what he wants to achieve. It is my advice that he shouldn’t meddle with the leadership of NASS because he has so many like minds in the NASS that will help drive his vision. We are all tired of doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result. We want that impactful change, and he has the capacity to do so. I have often joked with friends, when asked this same question, and my answer has always been, I don’t expect too much from our President-Elect. He should just fix power problem in Nigeria same way His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo fixed the issue of telecommunication. I have experience in different fields of human endeavors, from being an entrepreneur, to being a tax practitioner and tax administrator, I am good in finance and financial management. In the midst of his many advisers, I am willing to contribute my knowledge in whatever necessary to advance his goals in bailing this country out of its current situation.

YOUR MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS?

Nigerians should expect a robust 10th assembly. We will strive to justify the confidence reposed in us. Let’s join hands together to build one Nigeria that this present generation and generations yet unborn will be proud of. Meanwhile, we must all know that Nigeria is our only country. We should not be so eager to destroy it as a people. So, I want to appeal to leaders and followers alike to be patriotic citizens by putting the overall interest of the country ahead. We cannot continue painting this country in bad images. The press has a critical role to play in this regards. Leaders should be people-oriented in their approaches and followers should be willing to give the needed cooperation to leaders so as to avoid distraction that will take this country backward.
Thank you so very much

The Senator-elect, Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has said that the candidate that he will support for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly will emerge through a credible process that is backed by the majority of members.

Joel-Onowakpo, who spoke with journalists in Warri on issues ranging from his humble beginning, his sojourn into politics, his election as Senator, expectations from NASS and how he intends to represent his District, assured Nigerians the the 10th National Assembly will not be rubber stamp.

Reacting to the on-going leadership tussle for the 10th Assembly, Joel-Onowakpo said he was not aware that any individual has been endorsed, saying, “I am not aware, I have heard it just the way you said it. To me, like my name, ‘Thomas’, I consider this as mere speculation. And I want to beg the press not to give the President-Elect unnecessary baggage. The issue about the leadership of NASS is a sensitive one.”

“I will expect that whoever emerges should be so from a process. It is the duty of the candidates to earn the respect and trust of their colleagues. These colleagues should be able to take ownership of the leadership. Doing anything to the contrary will amount to the President-Elect taking side. So, if asked, I will say that the President-Elect, Senator Ahmed Tinubu, has not endorsed anybody to my knowledge. The field is free for all who are qualified to aspire.”

“The last thing that this NASS won’t want to be associated with is that “they are rubber stamp”. Even if we want to be rubber stamp, I am pretty sure that we will do it with some level of dignity. Therefore, let the best man win.”

Joel-Onowakpo stated that he does not have any candidate he is supporting as he has been away on vacation . He however said, I currently don’t have any candidates. I just came back, and I am still accessing my options, and I will finally align with the person who will support my vision in developing my Senatorial district and give the Senate the best of leadership. I have only one vote, I have no control of other senators’ votes, and I intend to use that vote wisely.”

The Chartered Accountant and astute administrator, said his vision is to serve the people of his Senatorial District to the best of his ability, and to give them the best of representation, adding that he wants them to feel the impact of governance and enjoy visible dividend of democracy.

“I want to leave the office better than I met it. This is why during the campaigns, I anchored my manifesto on the acronym, ‘DUE’, which stands for Drastic Infrastructure Development, Unique Empowerment Initiatives, and Effective Legislation. Being one of the senatorial districts that lay the golden egg in terms of revenue generation to the treasury of this country, Delta South deserves more than crumbs. I believe the time has come to accord Delta South what is ‘DUE’ her.”

By Oghenero Orovwuje

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has been commended for appointing Mr. Theophilus Chuks Aguonye as Permanent Secretary in the Delta State Civil Service.

The commendation was given in a resolution by members of Amai G5 during their monthly meeting at Amai in Ukwuani LGA.

The Group in a press statement signed by Ogbuefi Oliver Achugbue, Vice President and Chief Ben-Oscar Nwachukwu, immediate past President, stated that the appointment of Mr. Aguonye, who is their member as a Permanent Secretary can be described as a square peg in a square hole.

Members of the Association also commended Governor Okowa for awarding the construction of Amai/Aragba-Orogun Road, which they said will facilitate easy access to other neighbouring communities by indigenes of Amai kingdom and residents as well, thereby opening up the area to meaningful development.

The Group also called on Governor Okowa to consider the appointment of qualified Amai sons and daughters to the higher bench of the judiciary and also consider them for political appointments in the State.

Also as part of their request from the government, they pleaded for posting of more teachers to Amai Mixed Secondary Commercial School and the Primary School and also the equipping of the Schools and the construction of the township roads in the community.

They congratulated the Governor-elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Deputy Governor elect, Mr. Monday Onyeme for their victory in the just concluded gubernatorial elections, while pledging their unflinching support and loyalty to the present administration and also to the incoming one.

The University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Asaba Chapter, shall on Thursday, May 11, honour the outgoing Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife, Dame Edith Okowa, both of whom are Alunmi of the premier university, in its 2023 Annual Public Service Lecture.

The event is designed to celebrate the Governor for his excellent achievements in the development of the state and contributions to nation building.

Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu, Chief Economic Adviser to the Delta State Governor, also an Alunmi of the premier university and member of the UIAA Board of Trustees Beyond Borders, has been chosen as the Guest Lecturer, while the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and incoming Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.

The event scheduled to hold at the Unity Hall of Government House, Asaba, by 2pm shall be chaired by Prof. Sam E. Oyovbaire, former Minister of Information and Chairman, Delta State Advisory Committee. Also expected in attendance is the Senator-Elect of Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Ted Nwoko.

Chairman of the 2023 Lecture Organizing Committee, Dr. Augustine Isikwei Ojogbo, Ph:D, FCVSN, JP, disclosed these on Monday in Asaba, stating that given the massive development witnessed in the state in the past eight years it was apt and proper to celebrate Gov Okowa through an intellectual exercise like a lecture.

Dr. Ojogbo pointed out that the UIAA Annual Public Service Lecture was a platform used in proffering solutions to challenges in the society, especially in a developing society such as ours, and that this year’s lecture was well primed to focus on service delivery being the hallmark of Dr.Okowa’s effort in governance as he concludes his tour of duty as Governor of Delta State.

Unveiling Dr Kingsley Emu as the Lecturer who will speak on the topic: “The Burden of Leadership”, Ojogbo said he is “a man of many parts” and superbly fit to deliver the all important lecture, especially at this time that the nation and the state are set to usher in new leaders in governance.

“A Banker, Financial Consultant, Entrepreneur and a Public Servant par excellence, Dr. Kingsley Eze Emu had a distinguished career in the private sector spanning over 23 years and has spent almost 12 years in the Public Sector till date”, Ojogbo enthused.

“He was one time Commissioner for Commerce and Industry (2011-2014), later Commissioner for Economic Planning (2015-2019) and currently the Chief Economic Adviser to Delta State Governor. Prior to his appointment by the Delta State Government over the years, he was in the banking Industry for 21 years, starting his banking career with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 1989, through the Merchant/Investment Bank (Group merchant Bank; Fidelity Merchant bank; Merchant Banking Corporation-MBC, International Merchant Bank IMB; and later with Commercial banks like Universal Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank PLC, Fin Bank PLC).

“In his 21 years sojourn in the banking industry, Dr. Emu worked in credit and marketing, remedial assets, Investment and Treasury departments. He was divisions head of Treasury and investment banking, credit and marketing, Retail and e-banking and Remedial services. He resigned in 2010 as a Group Executive in charge of Retail and e-business at Finbank before their merger.”

Dr. Kingsley Emu who hails from Owanta in Ika North East Local Government of Delta State, holds several degrees including Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology, Masters of Science degree in Industrial Sociology, and a Masters in Managerial Psychology (MMP) all from University of Ibadan. He earned an MBA (Marketing) from ESUT Business School, Lagos, and holds a Doctorate degree in Management from University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA, a certificate in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, USA and a Goizueta Management Certificate in Leadership.”

According to Ojogbo, Dr. Kingsley Emu was chosen to deliver the all important lecture given his rich experience garnered over the years in the public and private sector of the economy.

Dr Ojogbo invited stakeholders in leadership positions and the general public to the Valedictory Lecture.

A group of the Obidients Movement in Delta State has revealed that they abandoned the Labour Party candidate to vote for Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori of the PDP in the Delta State Governorship election because they were convinced he would prioritise good governance and foster economic prosperity of the people of the state.

The disclosure was contained in a public statement released over the weekend by coordinators of the Obidients groups in Isoko Nation.

The statement which was signed by Fred Elohor Anthonia and Okawa Leslie Okezi for the Isoko North and Isoko South, respectively, also revealed that their support for Rt Hon Oborevwori was facilitated by the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, who particularly engaged them.

The group explained that as a non-partisan movement, they are guided by modest ideologies that promote good governance and, as such, shop for credible personalities around Nigerian political space and support them to victory in elections so as to engender socioeconomic development to the people.

“On that note, the Obidient Movement in Isoko Nation worked for Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori,” the statement read.

Explaining further, the said their disposition was due to the fact that Hon Askia Ogieh, the Udu of Isoko Nation, made firm commitments to them “that Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori would prioritize good governance and foster economic prosperity of the people of Delta State.”

The group said their public statement became necessary “in order to put the record straight and address obvious false claims” by some “faceless and dubious” persons who want to take credit in order to reap where they did not sow in the coming political dispensation.

While re-asserting that Chief Ogieh was the “face and name” of the PDP engagement with the Obidients in Isoko Nation, they congratulated Rt Hon Oborevwori on his emergence and restated their conviction on his capacity to deliver on their expectations.

By Augustine Akanigha

The Member representing Ika North East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Honorable Anthony Elekeokwuri, has said that the mandates of every Lawmaker is to make laws that will impact meaningfully on the people.

Hon. Elekeokwuri disclosed this during a Media chat with DTHA house Correspondents while giving his stewardship on his terms as Lawmaker representing the good and wonderful people of Ika North East for the past 8 years.

The eloquent Lawmaker, said he was grateful to Almighty God and to the people of Ika North East for giving him the opportunity to serve, adding that right from the day he was elected as a Lawmaker, he has a clear responsibility on what he wants to achieve for his Constituency.

” So far so good I am very grateful to God Almighty, Deltans, and especially to my constituents who gave me the mandate to represent them.

” Coming to the house 8th years ago, my responsibility was very clear and precise, and I know I am voted in because my people believed I have the capacity to deliver, nobody comes to the house to learn.

” Our mandates was to make laws that will impact meaningfully on the people of Delta State and perform oversight functions on the laws that we have made”.

He said being in the house gave him the ample opportunity to interact with other Lawmakers, lobby them, defend them, and he was able to see his vision and key into them, especially when bills are coming in that will impact the life of the people.

” One of the things I did when I came in as a Lawmaker, I build a team, I believed in team work and I believed every Lawmaker in the house has the potentials of giving out something positive on the floor of the House.

” Based on that, I was able to work with the rest of my colleagues and as usual, must of them became co-sponsors of my bills, they help me to gather facts, do a lot of research to make sure we come out with bills that are very impactful .

He also said that in the last 8th years, he believed he and the rest of the Lawmakers has done a lots for Deltans in the aspect of Lawmaking and he prayed Deltans will continue to benefit from those things that they have done.

Hon. Elekeokwuri enumerated the numbers of bills he has sponsor and co-sponsor.

” I have sponsor and co-sponsor a good numbers of bills too numerous to mention in the house, and setting bills that I have sponsor and co-sponsor, including the ones that His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa Governor of Delta State has signed into Law, are Jermaine and very important to me.

” As Chairman house committee on Public Account I was able to bring transparency to bear, so if you look at Transparency and Accountability bill that we did at the state level, you will discovered that we are able to deepening that process.

” We believed if we don’t institutionalized the fight against corruption, corruption will kill us”.

He listed some of the bills he has sponsor and co-sponsor which includes; Transparency and Accountability bill, The Urban Renewal bill, The Criminal Justice Law at the state level, others includes; The infrastructural bill, Equipment Leasing bill, Public Finance Management bill, The Audit bill 1and 2, Physical Responsibility bill, The power sector bill, The Good Governance bill, etc.

Saying that he is leaving the ovation high, and that he came, he saw, and they all conquered.

On his message to incoming Lawmakers,He said, ” you don’t just come to the State House of Assembly because you want to make money, reason for this is that the Lawmakers don’t have approval authority, they don’t have approving powers, they don’t give out contract or execute contract, so what they do is just lawmaking and everything about lawmaking, that is why they need to be trained.

” The Speaker of the House who happens to be the Governor elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has done so much in terms of training and retraining of Lawmakers, Management Staffs, general Staffs of the assembly, including Lawmakers aids .

” So if you have a trained workforce, you will be able to build a team work around you”.

He advised the incoming Lawmakers that they must ensure they engaged legislative aids that are competent, make sure that money due to them are paid to them, and he can assured them that the aids will give their very best.

He restarted that there is no big deal about lawmaking, all they need was for them to have the passion, drive and motivation to identify laws that will eliminate the suffering of the people, those things they can do items of infrastructure, healthcare delivery, water supply etc.

Adding that they should look at those areas that has been experiencing decay and think of ways they can create a solution for them.

” As a legislator, you have to make use of your space, your legal space to create solutions to problems affecting your people,

” We understand the challenges that comes with Lawmakers, people who voted you in, is expecting you to bring pipe bore hole water, build schools , roads, etc you can do that indirectly by making sure you work together with the Executive arms.

” Passing budget is not enough, when budget is passed, there is need for Lawmakers to do follow up with the budget, what is there in your local government, your Constituency as the case may be, and how can you make sure that the executive arms implement those things they have promised to do.

” As a Lawmaker, if you know what you are doing, then you will follow the executive step by step and at the long run, you will attract massive development to your people.

” A Lawmaker make laws and follow up with the executives on the laws he has made, which is what we call oversight functions, and must importantly, you go home and be with your people, organized town hall meeting, interact with them and see what their pains are, put them together and come back to Asaba, see how you can put this things into policy making for government, and if you can able to do that, you become a Lawmaker that bring dividends of democracy to his people”.

On Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Ika North East Lawmaker said that what ever that has kept Sheriff on the throne as the speaker for over six years, and what ever that has endured him to the people and his colleagues, let him keep it up.

Saying that by the grace of God Sheriff Oborevwori come May 29th, he will be sworn in as Governor of Delta State, and this will be the first time that it will be happening, he thank God that he was privilege to witness and experience a Speaker becoming a Governor in Delta State.

He assured Deltans that the way the speaker has overseas the state assembly comprising 29 Constituency, 25 local government, and 29 Lawmakers, which he count himself lucky to have benefited from the speaker, that there is nothing too big for him to do as Governor, apart from the fact that he is moving from one arms of government to another arms.

He reminded Deltans that the Governor elect has promised the M.O.R.E. agenda, which mean that what ever that has been done by Governor Okowa, he is going to continue with them and while also bringing in new projects.

” With my personal discussion with him, he has assured me that he will get serious with government and ensure mistake will be limited, and Deltans are going to be happy at the end of his tenure”.

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, has stated that the establishment of Host Communities (HostComm) Development Trust Is Key in ensuring the harmonious relationship between the Host Communities and the oil companies in the State.

Barr. Otuaro stated this on Thursday in Asaba while receiving the delegation of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) led by the Director General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, on an advocacy visit on the determination of “Host Communities Along the Gulf of Guinea”.

The deputy governor asserted that, for “Host Communities” to be recognized by the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA and for them to be gazetted by National Boundary Commission, NBC, the government needs to intensify efforts to identify areas that fall within the category.

According to him; “This is to enable those communities to benefit from the 3% set aside for them by PIA Act”.

Barr. Otuaro, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Isaiah Bozimoh Esq. applauded NBC for its advocacy noting that the sensitization visit was a laudable idea.

“I want to assure you that for us in Delta State, we will cooperate and collaborate with your Commission to ensuring that Communities that falls within that coastal line benefit from the PIA, and non of these communities would be left out”.

Barr. Otuaro assured of the Delta State Government readiness to give all the necessary support to ensuring that the exercise is successfully conducted.

Earlier in his address, the Director General (D-G) of National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, who was represented by the Director of Internal Boundaries, Mr Nicholas Emiowele, disclosed that the NBC team was in the State to press home the need to work closely with Delta State Boundary Commission to identify the communities recognized by the Acts as “Host Communities”.

According to him, Section 318 of the PIA, states- “a littoral community is a deep-water area of operation located along the Gulf of Guinea of the Nigerian shoreline up to about 500 meters inland, provided that such community is gazetted by the NBC”.

Adaji in his address maintained that the primary objectives of gazetting the host communities are to foster sustainable prosperity, enhance harmonious co-existence between Licenses/Lesses and host communities, provide direct social and economic benefits and create a framework to support the development of identified and gazetted host Communities.

The NBC Boss noted that, “it is important that all the Communities within the specified 500m buffers from the coastline must be located and captured in the data bank of the Communities to be Gazetted, for them to benefit adequately from the provisions of the Act.

“A previous survey had identified some of these communities, but it is imperative that the Commission, in conjunction with the Delta State Boundary Commission, do a thorough compilation that can be defended”. He noted.

Surveyor Adamu Adaji appreciated the warm reception accorded them by the State Government, as well as the support the State has given to NBC.

He also specially commended the Executive Assistant on Boundary Matters to the Governor, Mr. Gweke Akidohor, Esq. for the support and diligent service he has been rendering.

Also in attendance at the advocay visit are members of the Delta State Boundary Committee including, Mrs. Gladys Puegenren, the Secretary of the Committee and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Lands, Mr. Chukwuemeka Eboka, the State Surveyor General and Chief Gweke Akudihor, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Boundary Matters.

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated the Governor of Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on his widely celebrated victory at the just concluded Adamawa State Governorship election.

The Caucus in a statement on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, also congratulated and saluted the people of Adamawa State for their resilience in standing with Governor Fintiri and resisting desperate anti-democratic forces that sought to manipulate the electoral process, suppress the Will of the people and impose an illegitimate government in the State.

“The re-election of Governor Fintiri marks the triumph of the Will of the people of Adamawa State in the exercise of their democratic right to choose their preferred leader in an election.

“From the results of the main election and the supplementary poll, it was clear that Governor Fintiri remains the clear choice of the people. His ultimate victory further proves that no matter how much falsehood, tyranny and manipulations appear to thrive, the truth will always prevail at the end of the day.

“The Minority Caucus again congratulates Governor Fintiri and urges him to remain focused and continue in his excellent delivery of service, particularly his massive legacy infrastructural development projects and empowerment of citizens for which the people of Adamawa State overwhelmingly re-elected him as Governor,” Elumelu stated in the statement.