By Onome Oghenetega
Popular Nigerian businessman, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, has declared his intention to run for the 2023 governorship election in Delta State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Iyovwaye made the declaration on Monday when a political pressure group, Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum in collaboration with Youth Arise(YA) purchased and presented the 2023 PDP governorship forms to him in Warri.
The groups made of professionals, seasoned politicians, youths and academicians said they purchased the forms to the businessman to pressurize him to run for the number seat in the state
Leader of the groups and chieftain of the PDP, Chief Hope Erute, said their choice of Iyovwaye was based on his antecedence as a successful businessman.
Erute said Delta deserves a man of his caliber to move this state in path of socio-economic development and only the best is good of Deltans.
He urged him to replicate the feat he recorded in his private business life in the governance of the state.
“It’s with implicit confidence that these groups have on Chris Iyovwaye that has moved them to purchase the forms for governorship. The support is ordinary. The support is fundamental. That presenting him the forms for the gubernatorial race.
“Today, on behalf of Isoko/Urhobo Unity Forum and the Friends of Chris Iyovwaye all over Delta State we present this form to you to run for the 2023 governorship race”, Erute added.
I’m The Best Person Deltans Need At The Moment, Says Iyovwaye
Speaking immediately he was presented with the forms by the groups, Iyovwaye boasted that he is the best governorship aspirant to fly the flag of the PDP as well as to succeed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the forthcoming governorship election.
Iyovwaye, flanked by his wife and friends, thanked the groups for endorsing and purchasing the governorship forms for him to contest the election, stressing that he best understands the socio-economic environment to govern the state.
“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”, he stated.
Also speaking, a cleric, Pastor Preye Foh, described Iyovwaye as the most credible governorship candidate so far in the State saying that’s why they have come to persuade him to contest the governorship race in 2023.
He urged delegates to rally round and give their votes to Iyovwaye at the forthcoming primaries of the PDP.
According to him, “I’m an Ijaw man but I believe in Deacon Chris. Please let me tell you something. The bible say 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 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.
She said, “The stand for 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, 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 thing to do at the appropriate time. His candidature for governorship in 2023 is a divine thing for all Deltans.”
