A high-level delegation of Anioma people of Delta State led by the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien Wednesday, last week, had a closed door meeting with President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja .
Though, the details of the meeting was not disclosed, sources informed this paper that it was to express the support of the Anioma people for the second term bid of the President and also seek the President’s backing on getting an Anioma person as the next governor of Delta State.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting with the President, Professor Edozien said, “We are here to confer with the President on national issues, issue of security affecting the country and the coming elections”
He said the delegation pledged their support for the President, if he decides to seek re-election in 2015.
He also confirmed that the issue of the zone, which will produce the next governor of Delta State was also discussed, but did not zero it on a particular person.
Edozien also affirmed that the Anioma people are” very much in support of the President’s second term bid, whenever he declares his intention.”
He also confirmed that the agitation for an Anioma person to be elected governor of Delta State was also discussed with the President stating that “The issue of an Anioma person becoming the governor was one of the issues we discussed and I hope an Anioma son or daughter will be elected governor of Delta State in 2015.”
Asked who he had in mind, the monarch said, “We have many worthy sons and many people in our area that if elected will be good governors.
Sources close to the Presidency however, informed this paper that the delegation of the Anioma People presented three people as potential governorship candidates. The are Honourable Ndudi Elumelu’s, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health, Senator Okowa and Victor Ochei.
Recently, Ndudi Elumelu, who is the younger brother of reputable African Business Leader and philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu , CON, had declared his intention to contest for the governorship position in Delta State, which becomes vacant in 2015 when the current Governor’s tenures comes to an end.
Declaring his intention during a special service to commit his ambition into the hands of God at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Onicha-Uku in Aniocha-North Local Government Area of Delta State, the younger Elumelu promised to prioritise the welfare of the people of Delta State if given the opportunity to lead the state.
Ndudi Elumelu also donated 10 vehicles and 30 tricycles for distribution to people in the three senatorial districts of the state as part of his empowerment programme. The donation was done under a non-governmental organisation, Ndudi Elumelu Foundation, which he runs.
Speaking to members of the foundation, Elumelu thanked them for their steadfastness and promised more incentives for the coordinators to facilitate the task of mobilising the electorate towards supporting him in the 2015 elections.
He advised them to avoid violence and distractions and remain focused on the task of mobilizing support for his election as governor of Delta State .
