A’Court Victory: Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thanks ‘Political Leaders, Bosses,’ Others Who Stood By Him Tenaciously

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South Senatorial District, has thanked his political leaders and bosses as well as members of his party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) who stood by him tenaciously as he fought to defend his election victory at the court of appeal.

Dedicating his victory at the appeal court to God Almighty, Joel-Onowakpo promised to contribute his quota to the realisation of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration.

In a statement he personally signed after the appeal court affirmed his election victory against the Senatorial ambition of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Michael Diden, Senator Joel-Onowakpo, said his victory was for democracy, Nigerians and the people of his constituency in particular.

He said that the victory has emboldened him to further consolidate on the actions already set in motion for the advancement of the country and his Senatorial District, as he expressed hope of a greater and prosperous Nigeria under President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“This victory is dedicated to God Almighty who made the journey possible and saw it to a glorious end. I therefore assure you that I will not fail God and the people He has given me to represent.”

“We will now further the actions already being put in place to work for the advancement of the Senatorial District and the good of the people. I hereby appeal that you give me all the necessary support to adequately represent you.”

The Isoko-Delta born administrator and political strategist, expressed profound gratitude to all those who contributed in one way or the other towards the reaffirmation of his electoral victory as Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District in the red Chambers, particularly those he described as his ‘political leaders and bosses’, assuring that he will not abuse the privilege given to him to represent his constituency.

“My dear constituents, the electoral process, journey we started on the 27th of April, 2022, for me to represent you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has come to a successful end and to God be all the glory.

“The Court of Appeal in the judgement passed on Wednesday, 1st of November, 2023 affirmed the mandate you gave me as the duly elected Senator to represent you, the good people of Delta South Senatorial District. On this note, I want to thank God Almighty, the giver of all gifts, who, by His grace, I achieved this. May His name be praised now and forever, AMEN.”

Continuing, he said, “My heart felt appreciation goes to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Vice President, His Excellency Alhaji Kashim Shettima, GCON for their support. I want to assure you of my full support and cooperation, to give Nigerians the RENEWED HOPE that we promised them. I am sure that things will be better for Nigerians.

“My appreciation also goes to my Party leadership, the All Progressive Congress at the National level, for their support. I wish to also express my appreciation and pledge my loyalty to my bosses in the National Assembly, led by HE Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Senate President, HE Jibrin Barau, Deputy Senate President, HE Bamidele Opeyemi, the Leader of the Senate. HE Adeola Olamilekum, the Senate Appropriation Chairman, HE Abdullaziz Yari, Senator Sani Musa, Senator Shehu Buba and the host of other distinguished Senators. They all stood by me in this trying period. My thanks also goes to the Clerk of the Senate, whom I fondly call ‘my landlord’ and all the staff of the RED Chambers for their support and prayers.”

While apologising to those who ought to have been mentioned, but could not due to space, he said, “My sincere appreciation goes to my political leaders, HE James Onanefe Ibori, HE Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, CON, HE Ovie Omo-Agege, who started the story of this race. They all stood by me tenaciously and gave me all the support I needed to get here. Thank you so very much.”