By Editorial Board

For centuries, many people have casually used the word “idiot” to describe someone perceived as foolish, senseless, or lacking intelligence. Yet, history presents a far deeper and more uncomfortable meaning of the term — one that may describe not merely individuals, but entire societies.
The word “idiot” traces its roots to the ancient Greek word idiōtēs, a term used in Athenian Democracy to describe a private citizen who concerned himself only with personal affairs while neglecting civic responsibilities and public participation.
In ancient Greek political culture, this was not considered admirable independence. It was viewed as dangerous indifference.
An idiōtēs was not necessarily an unintelligent man. He could be educated, wealthy, eloquent, and even influential. His failure was simpler — and perhaps worse: he cared only about himself.
Today, one must ask uncomfortable questions.
What do we call leaders who remember the people only during elections but disappear immediately after victory?
What do we call citizens who complain endlessly about corruption yet eagerly celebrate stolen wealth once crumbs reach their tables?
What do we call elites who preach patriotism while keeping their investments, families, and emergency escape plans safely abroad?
Perhaps the ancient Greeks already had a word for all of this.
Modern society has ironically transformed “idiot” into a label reserved for the intellectually weak, while often rewarding the selfish, the opportunistic, and the morally indifferent with titles, convoys, and standing ovations.
Across many developing societies, public morality now resembles a marketplace promotion: “Buy one conscience, get two hypocrisies free.”
The tragedy is no longer ignorance. The tragedy is selective concern.
Roads collapse — until the pothole reaches someone important.
Hospitals decay — until a prominent man suddenly needs oxygen.
Communities suffer flooding — until luxury estates begin to smell like the rest of society.
Everyone wants national development, but preferably from the comfort of personal exemption.
The ancient Greeks believed citizenship required participation, sacrifice, and concern for collective survival. In contrast, the modern “successful man” is often measured by how effectively he escapes public responsibility while publicly pretending to care.
Perhaps that explains why many societies today possess brilliant individuals yet continue producing disappointing outcomes.
A nation cannot progress when too many citizens become experts in private comfort and amateurs in public responsibility.
Ironically, the loudest patriots are sometimes those whose generators have never gone silent, whose children have never attended public schools, and whose hospitals are conveniently located somewhere between London and Dubai.
Meanwhile, the ordinary citizen survives by mastering an advanced national philosophy known as “mind your business.”
And so the ancient meaning returns.
The real idiot may not be the man who lacks intelligence.
The real idiot may simply be the one who believes society can collapse around him while his own walls remain permanently standing.
History repeatedly proves otherwise.
Eventually, every neglected society sends the invoice to everyone.

As delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Delta South Senatorial District gather today to decide the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 senatorial election, the moment calls for wisdom, unity, experience, and a clear assessment of performance over sentiment.

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In every democratic process, delegates are entrusted with a sacred responsibility — the responsibility to choose competence over propaganda, performance over promises, and continuity over uncertainty. For Delta South APC, today’s decision is not merely about politics; it is about protecting the future and sustaining effective representation at the National Assembly.

Without mincing words, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has demonstrated capacity, maturity, and commitment in the service of Delta South people within a relatively short period in office.

Since his emergence as Senator representing Delta South, Joel-Onowakpo has steadily distinguished himself as a focused legislator and grassroots-oriented leader whose representation has produced visible results across the district.

One of his most remarkable legislative achievements remains the successful sponsorship and Senate passage of the bill for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh. The project, when fully operational, will not only improve healthcare delivery but will also create jobs and reduce the burden on medical facilities within and outside Delta State.

At the Senate, his role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content has further elevated Delta South’s voice in the national conversation surrounding oil and gas participation, employment creation, and indigenous economic growth. At a time when Nigerians demand greater local participation in strategic industries, Senator Joel-Onowakpo has remained vocal and effective in promoting policies that prioritize Nigerian professionals, contractors, and youths.

Beyond legislative duties, his empowerment initiatives have touched lives across the eight local government areas of Delta South. From distribution of sewing machines, grinding machines, deep freezers, fishing equipment, outboard engines, and agricultural support materials to youth starter packs and food assistance, many constituents have directly benefited from his people-oriented programmes.
Importantly, his style of leadership has continued to foster inclusiveness and political stability. By appointing aides and advisers from different local government areas and ethnic backgrounds, he has demonstrated that leadership should unite rather than divide the people.

Today, APC delegates must ask themselves critical questions: Who among the aspirants possesses the legislative experience, national relevance, political network, and proven performance needed to sustain Delta South’s influence in Abuja? Who has already built relationships capable of attracting more federal opportunities to the district? Who has shown practical commitment to the welfare of the people beyond election periods?

The answer, many observers believe, clearly points to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

Politics should not always be about changing leadership for the sake of change. Sometimes, continuity becomes necessary when a leader is already delivering measurable results, building strategic connections, and consolidating the political strength of the district.

Delta South cannot afford to gamble with its representation at a time when experienced voices are needed in the National Assembly to attract development, protect regional interests, and strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.
As the APC primary unfolds today, delegates must rise above personal interests and temporary pressures. They must vote for competence, proven performance, accessibility, and continuity.

For many party faithfuls across Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas represents stability, effective representation, and the promise of greater opportunities ahead.
The decision now rests with the delegates. History will remember the choice they make today.

Today’s APC senatorial primary election in Delta South is more than an internal party exercise. It is a defining moment that will determine whether the district consolidates on growing political influence and developmental progress or returns to the uncertainties of untested representation.

At moments like this, delegates must look beyond emotions, political noise, and temporary alignments. They must think deeply about the future of Delta South, the stability of the APC, and the importance of retaining a lawmaker who has already begun building strong institutional relevance for the district at the national level.

In politics, effective representation is not measured by speeches alone. It is measured by access, influence, visibility, legislative impact, empowerment, and the ability to deliver practical benefits to the people. By these standards, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has earned a strong case for continuity.

For the first time in a long while, Delta South has a senator occupying a strategic national position as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content — a highly influential committee directly connected to the oil and gas industry, the economic backbone of the Niger Delta. This position places Delta South at the center of discussions surrounding employment opportunities, indigenous participation, energy investments, and local economic growth.

Delegates must therefore ask a fundamental question: why should Delta South surrender such strategic advantage at a time when the district is beginning to gain stronger visibility within national politics?

Leadership is also about tangible impact. Within a short period, Senator Joel-Onowakpo has demonstrated that public office should produce direct benefits for ordinary citizens. Across communities in Delta South, his empowerment programmes have supported traders, fishermen, artisans, farmers, women, and youths with tools and starter packs aimed at improving livelihoods and encouraging self-reliance.

His sponsorship of the Federal Medical Centre, Oleh Bill further reflects a lawmaker who understands the developmental needs of the people. Healthcare remains one of the greatest challenges facing many communities, and the establishment of a federal medical institution in Delta South represents a major long-term investment in human welfare.

More importantly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s politics has largely remained issue-based, inclusive, and stabilizing. At a time when ethnic and political divisions often threaten unity within Delta South, he has maintained a leadership approach that accommodates different interests and promotes wider participation across the district.

The APC in Delta South must also think strategically ahead of the 2027 general elections. Winning elections today requires candidates with broad acceptability, political maturity, grassroots structure, and proven performance. The opposition will certainly field strong candidates, and APC cannot afford unnecessary internal fragmentation caused by abandoning a performing senator who already enjoys visibility and growing support across the district.

Changing leadership without clear justification often weakens political structures and disrupts continuity in governance. Experience remains valuable in the National Assembly, especially in a system where ranking, committee influence, and established networks determine access to opportunities and federal presence.

This primary election therefore presents APC delegates with two options: to consolidate on an already established foundation or to begin another uncertain political experiment.

For many observers, the safer and more productive path is clear.

Delta South already has a senator with legislative experience, growing national influence, grassroots connection, and measurable achievements. Rather than interrupting that trajectory, delegates should strengthen it.

As APC delegates cast their votes today, they must remember that their decision will shape not only the future of the party but also the developmental direction of Delta South in the years ahead.

This is the time for wisdom, unity, and continuity.

This is the time to return Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.