The Isoko nation has endorsed Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing his legislative performance and commitment to the development of the area.
The endorsement was made on Saturday during a senatorial briefing held at the lawmaker’s country home in Emede, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Addressing a large gathering of stakeholders, Senator Joel-Onowakpo recalled the collective resolve of the Isoko people in 2022 to produce a senator for Delta South, noting that the decision had elevated the status of the ethnic nationality.
“In 2022, we agreed as a people that Isoko should represent Delta South Senatorial District, and we stood firm to ensure victory. Today, Isoko is respected in the comity of nations because we said it and we did it. I am a product of that struggle, and I thank you all,” he said.
The senator highlighted his achievements within two years and ten months in office, despite spending nearly one year in court over electoral matters.
He emphasized that, as a first-time lawmaker with no prior legislative experience, he had quickly risen to prominence in the Senate.
According to him, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, alongside membership in several other strategic committees.
He also listed a number of legislative milestones, including the passage of the bill establishing the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, which has now been signed into law, giving the institution full legal backing and access to federal funding.
Other legislative efforts, he said, include bills on agricultural research, federal medical and educational institutions, oil and gas development, and ICT advancement, many of which have passed various stages in the National Assembly and are awaiting presidential assent.
Beyond lawmaking, the senator outlined constituency interventions, including the distribution of over 2,000 bags of fertilizer, empowerment programmes for over 500 constituents through SMEDAN, training of more than 1,000 beneficiaries in specialized skills such as shipbuilding, and employment opportunities facilitated in agencies such as the police, Navy and other federal institutions.
He stressed that the achievements recorded so far were made with limited resources, assuring the people that he would deliver more if given another mandate.
“What you gave me is what I have used to achieve these results in the last two years and ten months. If given another opportunity, I will do much more because I am committed to doing more for our people,” he stated.
Using a local proverb, the senator added: “If a man can catch a lion with his bare hands, imagine what he can do if given a gun,” underscoring his readiness to expand on his performance.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo cautioned against political regression, urging the Isoko people to consolidate on the gains already made rather than “starting afresh.”
He emphasized the importance of experience, strategic positioning, and access to power in delivering meaningful development.
“For Isoko to move forward, we must be present where decisions are made. It must be intentional. I assure you that I will continue to represent Isoko strongly and visibly,” he said.
In his remarks, President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Prof. Chris Akpotu, commended the senator’s performance and affirmed the collective resolve of the Isoko nation to support his re-election.
He noted that past experiences had seen the Isoko people shortchanged in the senatorial race, stressing that the current momentum must be sustained.
“We will work seriously to ensure his return to the Senate. This is in the overall interest of the Isoko nation and Delta South,” Akpotu said.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo, described the briefing as timely and necessary, especially following recent political realignments.
He urged the people to remain united and committed to the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for massive voter turnout in support of the governor and President Bola Tinubu.
Highlight of the meeting was the unanimous passage of a vote of confidence in Senator Joel-Onowakpo, alongside a firm resolution to support his return for a second term.
The Isoko nation also resolved to constitute a committee to engage other aspirants from the area, with the aim of persuading them to rally behind Senator Joel-Onowakpo in the overall interest of the people.
The event was attended by political leaders, including the member representing Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Ferguson Onwo; Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh; Chairman Delta State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Paul Oweh, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Chairman Isoko South APC, Victor Ekelega and his Isoko North counterpart Sunday Omonakome, party leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and religious leaders from across the Isoko nation.
