Constituents of Isoko federal constituency of Delta state has been assured that the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Isoko federal House of Representatives candidate, Joel Onowakpo Thomas (JOT), will not be a legislator and the same time a contractor if elected into the green chamber come 2019.
The incumbent member representing the Isoko federal house of Representatives and minority leader of the house, Leo Ogor, has been accused severally by his constituents, individuals, groups as well as the nation’s anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), where
some companies used for execution of constituency projects with direct links to the incumbent lawmaker were traced by the commission.
During the official inauguration of his Campaign Council and Committee, Thursday in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South local government area of Delta state, the APC house of Representatives candidate, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas had stated categorically in his address that, “I will not be a legislator and a contractor at the same time”, which has generated series good comments and backlashes from constituents.
In a statement signed by Mr. Obah Sylva,
media aide to Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, obtained by HardReporters, said, the above statement of his boss has attracted so much reactions on the social media both for and against, adding that while many have applauded the sincerity of the statement, others are of the opinion that it’s not necessary.
“Our attention has been drawn to some of the reactions accusing Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for behaving like Leo Ogor (who has been rumoured to be both a Legislator and a Contractor at the same time as a Representative), while him (JOT) was serving as Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue. Therefore, It has become necessary to set the records straight.
“Joel-Onowakpo Thomas served as Executive Chairman DBIR for six and half years. His tenure witnessed massive infrastructural development. The board built a six storey headquarters, Warri; headquarters annex, Asaba; Data recovery center, Koko; 5 Zonal offices and numerous regional offices.
“The contracts of the above infrastructures were awarded to competent contractors for the construction of different offices. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, though Chairman of the Board, was not directly involved in award of contracts. In Delta State, the Contract Award Bidding Committee is headed by the Deputy Governor of the State, which opens and collects bid from Contractors. The most qualified are awarded those contracts by the State Executive Council.
“Payment of Contractor was done by the Board, from its cost of collection, after supervision to ensure that the job was done to specification. All the companies that got contracts are registered. We will appreciate it if anyone can provide any company that belong to Joel-Onowakpo Thomas or linked to him.
“On the contrary, we have seen reports from EFCC showing that some companies used for execution of our constituency projects have direct links to our incumbent lawmaker.
“According to EFCC reports the under listed companies were used by our Legislator to siphon and execute constituency projects. They are: Laurelton Global Services Limited; Zanny Concern Limited; Racen Integrated Global Nigeria Limited; Simplified Concept Limited; Fergio Ventures Nigeria Limited and Peanard Nigeria Limited.
“The cash found in some of the accounts of the companies as proceeds from the constituency projects contracts include: Laurelton Global Services Limited (N101, 149, 293.96); Racen Integrated Global Nigeria Limited (N5, 088,293.50); Peanard (N2, 370,901.44); Zanny Concern Limited (N8, 374,173.28) and Simplified Concept Limited (N7, 000).
“A quick search on the official website of the Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) has shown that there are no registration records on these companies. Constituents are concerned why a legislator will still be a contractor that executes constituency projects. It was on that premise that Joel-Onowakpo Thomas promised the electorates that he will focus on legislative business and leave jobs for qualified Isoko Sons as contractors.
“We will keep to our promise and ensure that benefits from government are not concentrated within a family or few hands. We will ensure that contract are given to qualify contractors from our constituency.”, the statement concluded.
