Barely forty-eight hours of dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), the former Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress, (APC) to retire the incumbent “absentee” Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), House of Representatives member representing Isoko Federal constituency and majority leader of the house, Mr. Leo Okuweh Ogor.
Mr. Ogor, who has being suffering from partial paralysis, (Stroke), was last seen on the floor of the green chamber in February, 8, 2018.
It was widely reported few months back that the wife of the ailing federal lawmaker, Mrs. Peace Ogor had been unhappy over unnecessary pressure by some selfish politicians, especially his younger brother, Mr. Jay Ogor been mounted on her husband, who has been battling stroke for some time now, to join the 2019 contest.
Mr. Joel-Onowakpo’s defection to the APC which took place on Sunday in Emede, his home town in Isoko South local government area of the state however followed with wide jubilation in the area as well as a big shock to many political key players in the federal constituency.
Mr. Joel-Onowakpo had few days ago announced his resignation from the PDP when he met with the executives and members of the People Democratic Party Emede Ward 05 and the Ithihikpebe Campaign Organisations, to officially inform them of his intention to run for the house of representatives.
Mr. Joel-Onowakpo, was quoted as saying during the meeting that, he has taken this step after consultation with his family, friends, business and political associates. That this step is for the interest of the entire Isoko people viz-a-viz my personal interest and in line with my ideology and philosophy which is firmly rooted on justice and fair play and in few days I will unveil my new party.”
Mr. Joel-Onowakpo, is the current Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), coordinator in charge of Delta, Edo and Rivers states.
Meanwhile, an Emede-Abuja based lawyer, Mr. Tony Ejumejowo, while reacting to the development stated that it is only an “idiot” that will discountenance the contribution of Mr. Joel- Onowakpo to the fortune of PDP in Isoko since 2003.
“Some Isoko leaders plotted with the Governor to remove the man from office no one can boast of better performance than him for selfish interest and envy while others just watched on. Congratulations APC you truly have caught a big golden fish. PDP is finished in Emede.”, Mr. Ejumejowo told our Abuja Bureau Chief on phone.
