By Kelvin Onyekachukwu
A group under the aegis of the Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum in collaboration with the Youth Arise together with friends has purchased and presented governorship nomination and expression of interest forms to Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.
The forms were presented on Monday, March 4, 2022, to Deacon Iyovwaye, after the groups matched and chanted solidarity songs from the entrance of the NPA Estate on Airport Road in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Presenting the governorship forms to the businessman, Chief Hope Erute, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said, “Deacon Chris Iyovwaye is the groups’ choice for the 2023 governorship election.
“It’s with implicit confidence that these groups have made on Chris Iyovwaye that has moved us to purchase the forms for the governorship. The support is ordinary. The support is fundamental.
“Today, on behalf of Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum and the friends of Chris Iyovwaye all over Delta State, we present these forms to you to run for the 2023 governorship race.”
In his acceptance speech, the governorship hopeful, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye thanked the groups for the gesture done to him.
Deacon Iyovwaye who was flanked by his wife and members of his family said, “My people, I am profoundly grateful for this kind of gesture. It is not all the time that you see it that people will come together and say, look we’re going to purchase this form for you. I will be eternally grateful. On behalf of my family, I want to say we’re grateful.
“By the special grace of God, we believe that Osadebe House is sure for us. The grace of God will take us there. By the time we get there, by reason of the programmes we have set already, we believe that things will begin to happen for Delta State.
“Delta needs a governor that understands the environment. Delta needs a governor that understands the people. And by the time you know it, everything will begin to work for good.”
A cleric, Pastor Preye Foh in a chat with newsmen also described Deacon Chris Iyovwaye as the most credible governorship candidate so far in the State, that’s why we have come to persuade him to contest the governorship race in 2023.
“I urged delegates to rally round and give their votes to Deacon Chris Iyovwaye at the forthcoming primary election.
“Am an Ijaw man but I believe in Deacon Chris. Please let me tell you something. The bible says that because there was no man to till the ground, there was no rain for 50 years until God sent a man and there was rain. If Deacon Chris becomes the governor, there will be rain in this State. There will be spiritual rain, economic rain, and financial rain. We are going to work on our delegates.”
The Woman leader of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Chief (Mrs.) Felicia Suleiman said, “the women are solidly behind Deacon Chris Iyovwaye in the 2023 governorship race.
“The stand of the women is total support. We have seen a principal that has qualities that no other aspirant has. He has the fear of God, he is a technocrat. He will turn Delta State around. It’s like what’s happening in Anambra State now. When you see Soludo, you know that there’s a change. That’s how when Deacon Chris Iyovwaye will emerge, there will be a Change in Delta State. So, the women are totally in support of him.”
Prince Joseph Arubi Etche, an Itsekiri man who is from the three Warri Local Government Areas said, “This matter is not a matter of tribe or group of parties and what have you. It is the person who can deliver. Chris Iyovwaye is a very cerebral person. I have known him right from the business world.
“He has a passion. He is intelligent and he knows the appropriate to do at the appropriate time. His candidature for governorship in 2023 is a divine thing for all Deltans.”