The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has called on critical stakeholders to form a united front and deliberately cooperate for the advancement of the South-South region.
Senator Joel-Onowakpo stated this at the 13th Extraordinary General Assembly of the South-South Monarchs Forum in Asaba, Delta State, saying that doing so will facilitate the development of the region and make it a reality.
He questioned why development in the South-South region should not be commensurate with the huge contributions being made to the national treasury.
Speaking as a South-South Senator, he called on all leaders of the region to be more serious and proactive in advancing the cause of the South-South.
He emphasized the need for monarchs, government appointees, and elected representatives to collaborate for the development and growth of the South-South region.
He urged government appointees in the region, who are occupying vital offices, to always liaise with their elected counterparts as well as the monarchs, whom he described as the custodians of rich traditional heritage, to positively change the fortune of the region.
“There is a wide gap between the revenue we contribute to the national treasury and the development we have as a region. This is quite disturbing. However, if we must change this ugly narrative, all critical stakeholders in the region, especially our revered monarchs, government appointees, and elected representatives, must deliberately work together,” the senator said.
While urging the monarchs to appoint a liaison officer who can work closely with both elected and appointed officers, he said the traditional rulers are blessed with divine wisdom and have answers to many of the challenges bedeviling society.
He commended the monarchs for forming the South-South Monarchs Forum to forge a united front to project the region, promote peace, security, and development.
He assured the South-South monarchs that they will continue to strive towards ensuring that what is due to the region gets to it, adding that the present administration of President Ahmed Tinubu is working towards uplifting the fortune of the people.
Critical stakeholders should unite for the advancement of South-South region – Joel-Onowakpo