Over a year ago prior to the senatorial primary elections, this online newspaper wrote an article selecting three senatorial candidates from among the plethora of Deltans contesting to win their party tickets. The article cut across the three senatorial districts while disrespecting party affiliations. The article was titled “Delta2023: Three brilliant senatorial candidates that can change the image of Delta in Abuja
In Delta central, the editorial eyes beamed on Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta South, Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas and Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko were selected. As at then, the editorial team believed that these three aspirants then were the best brains to represent Delta irrespective of party affiliation at the red chamber.
And as predicted, the three won the primary elections. They also won at the general elections. They were dragged to tribunal and through to the Appeal court in Lagos, and on Wednesday, the three emerged victorious and now ready to pull the strings and bring development to their people.
Our prediction then was based on the belief that these three men are intelligent and brilliant persons. A combination of the three in the red chamber would bring needed development to the people of the state. The editorial team believed that those who had held those offices, apart from the former deputy senate president, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, whose impact is still being felt, never impacted the lives of their constituents.
Omo-Agege, who was only in the senate for two terms changed the lives of his constituents. He established a federal polytechnic in his community which is employing people across the state at the moment and also pushed for the establishment of a federal university of medical and health sciences in Ndokwa, even away from his constituency. Besides Omo-Agege, all others, even prior to his term, failed to bring beneficial projects to their people.
Consequently, at the beginning of the contest, our searchlight was beamed on these three men, believing that with their successes in their various fields and lives they have impacted, there is need to support them and help push them to emerge as senators representing the state. And going by our predictions and beliefs, they have emerged victorious in all the legal battles.
Senator Ned Nwoko, among them is a philanthropist. Ned Nwoko is a well learned man who was in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. His footprint till today is still being remembered. He made much impact in the House of Representatives. In Nigeria, he was instrumental in the Paris club refund for which all the 36 states and 774 local governments benefited immensely. Ned Nwoko has passion for Anioma nation and he is not going to be a disappointment. With his broad experience, Anioma will definitely be on the map of Nigeria.
For Delta central, we see Ede Dafinone as a ready-made man to push Delta central beyond where Senatorial Ovie Omo-Agege left it. We see intelligence and strength of character and purpose in him. We do not doubt his capacity and ability to deliver the goods to the people of Delta central. He is a good hand that will catapult Delta central beyond where Omo-Agege left it. Delta central got it right once again. Certainly, with him at the senate, Delta central cannot and will not lag behind.
For Delta South, Joel Onowakpo Thomas is no less a great asset to the senate and the district he is representing. With the successes he recorded at Delta Board of Internal Revenue and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Joel will do well at the senate. He is a man loaded with intelligence and certainly he will do exceptionally well in the national assembly. Delta South will definitely be proud of him.
Our editorial board is of the belief that these three senators undermining party affiliations will combine efforts to push developmental projects to Delta state. Most of our federal roads are in sorry state. Prior to their emergence, most constituency projects for the state are allegedly diverted, some not executed but papers are signed, giving contractors clean bills of health, most complaints were not being attended to, while jobs were only given to party members. We are believing that these three senators will bring a paradigm shift to the narrative.
Delta is one state and anyone voted into office is expected to serve the people of the state. It is not expected that everybody will vote for a particular candidate, no, not possible. But after emergence, the political office holder will work for the good of all.
WRITTEN BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
EDITOR, EMERALD NEWS
