A governorship aspirant and an industrialist, Chris Iyovwaye, has been presented an expression of interest and nomination form to run in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State.
The form was purchased by three groups, Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum, Youths Arise and Committee of Friends.
Presenting him the form amid jubilation yesterday in Warri, a leader of the groups, Chief Hope Erute, described the aspirant as one who could win across Delta State, given his track records.
“It is the confidence the groups have in Iyovwaye that has moved them to purchase the form for governorship. The support is not ordinary. The support is fundamental.
“We start from presenting him the forms for governorship race today, on behalf of Isoko, Urhobo Unity Forum and the Committee of Friends all over Delta State. We have young men, youths arise, who are with us solidly. They are prepared to transverse the length and breadth of Delta State.
“We are picking a candidate that is ‘sellable’, a candidate that will win in the length and breadth of Delta State. We do not mince words when we say so. He is a grassroots man, a man who fears God,” Erute said.
Iyovwaye, the chief executive officer of Wellmann Group and an indigene of Aghalokpe, Okpe Local Government, thanked the groups for deeming him worthy of the gesture.
He said if elected, tackling insecurity, energy and youths unemployment would be his focus, adding that his administration would introduce the Smart PLUS agenda to build on the legacies of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
“I am grateful. I want to assure you that by the time we get there and with the things we set up, things will happen for Delta. The state needs a governor that understands the environment and the people.”
“The first problem we have as a state is insecurity. Once insecurity, which is a major problem, is sorted out, Delta will grow rapidly. Of course, you can’t have infrastructural development where there is insecurity.
Supporters, including the oldest Okpe chief and a member of the PDP, Chief Daniel Okoro, were present at the ceremony.
A member of the Committee of Friends, Dr. Hossanna Jaloghor-Williams, said: “We need a technocrat. He is a large mind when it comes to the business world and development.”
A member of the forum, Mrs. Felicia Suleiman, said women were in support of his candidacy, adding: “We have seen a man that has the qualities no other aspirant has.”