A high-level delegation of ‎Anioma people of Delta State led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien, has presented three distinguished Anioma sons to President Goodluck Jonathan as potential candidates for next year’s governorship election. They are the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; former Secretary to Delta State Government, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; and immediate past Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei.

News Express learnt that the presentation was made last week Wednesday (Oct. 8), during a closed-door meeting with President Jonathan at the State House, Abuja.

Though the details of the meeting were not disclosed, sources informed News Express that it was used to seek Jonathan’s support for the emergence of an Anioma son as successor to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and to express the support of Anioma people for the second term bid of the President.

Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting with the President, Prof. Edozien had 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.

The Asagba confirmed that the issue of the zone which will produce the next governor of Delta State was also discussed, but did not provide further details.

“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,” he said. Asked who he had in mind, the monarch replied: “We have many worthy sons and many people in our area that if elected will be good governors.”

News Express reports that Ndudi Elumelu, who is the younger brother of frontline African Business Leader and Philanthropist, Mr. Tony Elumelu , CON, had recently declared his intention to contest for the governorship position in Delta State, which becomes vacant in 2015 when Uduaghan’s tenure 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 via a non-governmental organisation, Ndudi Elumelu Foundation, which he runs.

Speaking to members of the foundation, the younger 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 mobilising support for his election as governor of Delta State.

•Photo shows the Asagba of Asaba, HRH (Prof.) Chike Edozien (left) and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Health, during the visit of Anioma leaders to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan . . . last Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.