BREAKING: Jubilation As Former DBIR Chairman, Joel-Onowakpo Formally Joins APC

Wide jubilation on Sunday gripped the people of Emede kingdom and the entire Isoko South local government area of Delta state as the former Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, formally joined the All Progressives Congress, (APC) to run for the Federal House of Representatives in the 2019 general elections.

The former board chairman, had two days ago dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), with a promise to announce his new political party to contest the Isoko federal constituency house of Representatives election.

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 Sunday in Emede, his home town in Isoko South local government area of the state however came with wide jubilation in the area as well as a big shock to many political key players in the federal constituency.

He 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.

The current Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), coordinator in charge of Delta, Edo and Rivers states, 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.”

Meanwhile, some political watchers in the area have opined that it is only an “idiot” that will discountenance the contribution of Mr. Joel- Onowakpo to the fortune of PDP in Isoko since 2003.