A 13-man committee saddled with the responsibility of downsizing the number of governorship aspirants from Delta Central Senatorial of Delta State, who are rallying under the political lobby group christened DC-23 for the governorship position in 2023 has been inaugurated.
The committee headed by Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari was inaugurated on Monday, is expected in the six weeks to come up with a report for the pruning of the number of aspirants from the district jostling to occupy Dennis Osadebey House come 2023.
Sunny Awhefeada will serve as Secretary of the committee, Arthur Akpowowo, Assistant Secretary, while Hon Felix Anirah, Dr Godfrey Enita, Edewor Omonemu, Andy Osawota, Anthony Akpomiemie, Very Revd. Fr. Christopher Ekabor, Dcn. Raymond Edijala, Augustina Erah, Mrs Rarute Mgbeke and Mrs Florence Jakpovi are members.
National Chairman of DC-23, Senator Ighoyota Amori said the committee was set up because several sons from Delta Central Senatorial District have expressed their interest to contest for the governorship seat of the state.
Amori explained that DC-23 was conscious of the challenges ahead, particularly from some quarters who believed that the numerous aspirants will count against the group hence, DC-23 decided to do the needful by setting up the committee.
He said, “The Committee will carefully examine all the aspirants from Central which include, Chief Abel Esievo, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, Olorogun David Edevbie, Chief Ejaife Odebala, Chief James Augoye, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief Kenneth Okpara, Chief Fred Majemite, Hon. Efe Ofobruku, Chief Bright Edejegwhro, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Evang. Akpo Ofomona and Peter Mrakpor Esq. with a view of pruning them down to five at the first time, later three and finally one before the primary election.
“The terms of reference of the Committee is to identify the above aspirants and others that may express interest within the period of screening; look at the PDP guideline and the Nigeria constitution for qualification of the person for the office of the governor of the state.
“Interact with such aspirant(s) and carefully examine each of them if he has what it takes to be governor of a state; draw, set, develop their own criteria, strategy, modus operandi in carrying out the committee work; shall hear, take evidence directly or indirectly from aspirants and other sources (stakeholders) within and outside Delta Central for the purpose of evaluating each and every one of them.
“Areas to evaluate shall include medical fitness, financial capability, suitability, capability, acceptability and others by the generality of Deltans,” he added.
Amori pointed out that the committee can make other recommendations based on evidence gathered from all over the state and country for the interest of the people of Delta Central and Delta State with equity, fairness and justice as the guiding principle.
He stated further that the committee has six weeks to submit its report and can make further recommendations on the criteria to be adopted to reduce the aspirants from five to three and finally to one before the primary election.
The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari who spoke on behalf of the members, thanked leaders and members of the DC-23 for the honour and promised to do a good job that will bring about victory for Delta Central Senatorial District come 2023.
