By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, the Distinguished Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, has condemned successive federal governments for their neglect of the region in terms of infrastructural development, human capital development, and inclusiveness in governance.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo lamented the disparity between the significant contributions of Delta South Senatorial District as one of the largest producers of crude oil and gas in the country and the lack of attention it has received from past administrations.
He made this statement on Monday at Emede, Isoko South LGA of Delta State, while delivering a keynote address during a Strategic Leadership Retreat organised for his legislative aides.
The Senator highlighted the environmental degradation, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and limited human capital development as glaring indicators of the unfair treatment endured by the people of Delta South.
“Delta South Senatorial District gives her all for this country, but successive governments have been largely unfair to us,” expressed Senator Joel-Onowakpo.
“There is hardly the presence of government in Delta South, and this is really alarming. The pollution we experience, the environmental degradation, the lack of infrastructural and human capital development, the little or no inclusivity in governance, etc., are all indicators showing how unfair governments have been to us for contributing so much.”
Despite the historical neglect, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed optimism in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a beacon of change for Delta South Senatorial District.
He voiced his confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting the region, such as environmental pollution, erosion, flooding, lack of development, and poor inclusivity in government.
The Senator’s remarks have sparked discussions and raised awareness about the challenges faced by Delta South Senatorial District, calling for urgent attention and equitable development initiatives to uplift the region and its people.
As the voice of Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s outspoken advocacy for fairness, justice, and progress serves as a rallying cry for change and a call to action for a more inclusive and responsive governance approach towards the development of the region.
While inaugurating over 180 Legislative Aides that he has appointed, the Senator said, “As you are aware, the office of a Senator is officially entitled to only five Aides. However, I have gone a step further to make over 180 appointments simply to accommodate all interests and to ensure that the people of Delta South get the best from my representation. This is a huge burden on me, but I have no option than to accommodate our people until government looks our way.”
He urged the legislative aides to make good use of the office to change their political fortune by working effectively to serve Delta South Constituents.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of appointment letters to all the Legislative Aides by the Distinguished Senator.
Speaking on behalf of the Aides, the Senior Legislative Aide, Raymos Guanah, appreciated Senator Joel-Onowakpo for giving them the opportunity to serve. He noted that the Senator has set an unbeatable record with the appointment, remarking, “This is the first time this is happening in our Senatorial District since our return to democracy in 1999. We shall not take this opportunity for granted.”
The Legislative Aides promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Senator. They also pledged to support the Senator in his efforts to attract development to Delta South Senatorial District.
The event was attended by prominent leaders and stakeholders from the Senatorial District, who came to show their support for the Senator and the newly appointed Legislative Aides.
