Joel-Onowakpo Hails INEC Over Move to Restore Suppressed Delta Constituencies

Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for initiating the process to restore three previously suppressed Delta State House of Assembly constituencies, describing the move as a triumph for democracy, justice and equitable representation.

The affected constituencies are Isoko North II, Ughelli South II and Abraka State Constituency in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

The commendation came during a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed restoration of the constituencies held on Friday at the INEC Conference Hall, Asaba, where the electoral body assured residents that the exercise would be conducted in line with subsisting court judgments, constitutional provisions and the principles of transparency, fairness and inclusiveness.

Represented at the meeting by the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed appreciation to INEC for taking concrete steps to restore the constituencies, noting that the decision would strengthen democratic governance and guarantee fair representation for the affected communities.

He described the restoration process as a significant milestone in deepening democracy in Delta State and urged stakeholders, community leaders and residents to support the commission to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.

The lawmaker also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting initiatives that advance justice, inclusiveness and the protection of the democratic rights of the people, stressing that the restoration of the constituencies would address longstanding concerns over political representation.

Earlier, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, who addressed stakeholders, said INEC had commenced the restoration process in compliance with court judgments and the Electoral Act, assuring that all relevant stakeholders would be carried along throughout the exercise.

The REC appealed for the cooperation and support of political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, community leaders and residents, assuring that the commission would remain transparent and impartial in implementing the exercise.

The stakeholders’ meeting forms part of INEC’s consultative process aimed at ensuring broad participation and public confidence in the restoration of the three Delta State House of Assembly constituencies.