- As one of the major oil and gas producers in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, Delta State has three senators representing the state’s three senatorial districts in the National Assembly
- These senators are responsible for advocating for their constituents, addressing local issues at the national level, and influencing policies for economic and social development.
- TheRadar profiled the three senators representing the people of Delta state between 2023 and 2027
As part of our ongoing ‘Know Your Lawmakers,’ series, we focus this edition on the senators representing Delta State in the National Assembly for the period between 2023 and 2027.
Delta State, created on August 27, 1991, from the former Bendel State, is a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. With its capital in Asaba and the slogan “The Big Heart,” the state is an economic hub in the Niger Delta region, known for its rich natural resources.
The state is represented in the Senate by three lawmakers, each representing one of its three senatorial districts: Delta North, Delta South, and Delta Central.
These senators have a vital role in addressing the concerns of their constituents, shaping national policies, and promoting development in the region.
TheRadar compiled the three senators representing the state’s senatorial districts below:
1. Munir Chinedu Nwoko (Delta North)
Senator for Delta North, Ned Nwoko, is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and assumed office in June 2023, succeeding Peter Nwaoboshi.
He previously served as a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2003, representing the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.
As part of his legislative moves in his current role as a senator, Nwoko introduced a motion calling for African nations to attain veto power at the United Nations Security Council, a move aimed at increasing the continent's influence in global decision-making.
He also proposed a bill to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, advocating for the inclusion of Diaspora voting rights, which would enhance representation for Nigerians living abroad.
Additionally, Nwoko is a philanthropist. His foundation, the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation focused on various philanthropic efforts including youth empowerment and education. He also founded the Ned Nwoko Malaria Eradication Project.
2. Omueya Ede Dafinone (Delta Central)
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing the Delta Central Senatorial District, assumed office on June 13, 2023, succeeding Ovie Omo-Agege.
A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2014, Dafinone was previously a Democratic People’s Party member (DPP) from 2010 to 2014, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from 1998 to 2010. He was also a founding member of the PDP in Delta State before joining the APC.
As part of his legislative efforts, Dafinone co-sponsored a motion on October 10, 2023, to address the rising concerns over crude oil thefts in the Niger Delta.
The motion called for urgent investigations into the thefts, emphasizing their detrimental economic impact and the need for better protection of national resources.
He also introduced a bill aimed at establishing a Federal University of Education in Isiokolo, which successfully passed its first reading on November 22, 2023.
In addition, the Senator sponsored a motion addressing the harmful practice of setting ablaze confiscated crude oil vessels in the Niger Delta.
Beyond legislative moves, he initiated ongoing youth and women empowerment programs in the Okpe Local Government Area, focusing on agribusiness, particularly livestock and aquaculture production.
3. Ewomazino Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (Delta South)
Ewomazino Thomas Joel-Onowakpo is the current Senator representing the Delta South Senatorial District in Nigeria. Currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he assumed office on June 13, 2023, following the tenure of James Manager.
A Nigerian chartered accountant, businessman, and politician, Joel-Onowakpo was the first executive chairman and the fifth chief executive of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue from July 24, 2009, to September 22, 2015.
As part of his efforts to address critical infrastructure issues in his constituency, Senator Joel-Onowakpo called on the federal government to direct the relevant agencies to initiate remedial work on the Warri-Sapele-Benin road.
“That particular road we are talking about is also the gateway to the northern part of Nigeria, going through Delta, through Auchi down to Lokoja. So I think that it is something this house [Senate] has to look at dispassionately and urge the relevant agencies to take up remedial action on that road,” Joel-Onowakpo stated.
Know Your Lawmakers Series: Senators representing Abia in 10th National Assembly
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Abia State has three senatorial districts, each represented by a senator in the National Assembly
TheRadar compiled the three Abia State senators in the Nigerian Senate, responsible for lawmaking and regional advocacy.