- Calls For Transparent Process in the Nass Leadership Tussle
By Yemi Yakubu
The Senator-elect, Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has warned that it is important that the election of candidates for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly emerge through a credible process backed by majority of the members.
Joel-Onowakpo, who spoke with journalists in Warri on issues ranging from his humble beginnings to his election as Senator, said the 10th National Assembly will not be a rubber stamp of the executive.
He said it was imperative that members are 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.”
According to the elected lawman, “The last thing that this NASS won’t want to be associated with is that ‘they are rubber stamp” adding that “even if we want to be rubber stamp, I am pretty sure that we will do it with some level of dignity.”
Joel-Onowakpo said he remains skeptical about news that an 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.”
Asked who he intends to support himself, Joel-Onowakpo said he does not have any candidate now but he expects that whoever emerges would do so from a transparent process. “It is the duty of the candidates to earn the respect and trust of their colleagues,” he said.
The Senator-elect who said he had been on vacation so had not had time to fully access his options assured that he will finally align with the person who will support his vision in developing his Senatorial district and give the Senate the best of leadership. “I have only one vote… 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,” he said.
