Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), a gubernatorial aspirant hopeful on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has raised the alarm over plans by some persons in the state to tarnish his image by sponsoring the publication of spurious allegations against him.

Utuama made raised the alarm at the weekend in his country home of Otu-Jeremi while playing host to some leaders of the Peoples Network for Utuama led by Chief Dan Pella.

The deputy governor warned those behind the plot to desist and play politics of issues and not character assassination.

Utuama said: “I am very happy to hear all the encomiums heaped on me by you, I am highly encouraged by this gesture. We are forging ahead. My joining the race is not about me. It is about Delta and Deltans at home and in the Diaspora. It is about the future of our children. I joined the race with one expectation. And that is to consolidate the gains of democracy since 1999 till date for the good of everyone, irrespective of where you are coming from.

“But it is rather disheartening that some people are said to be planning to sponsor spurious allegations in the media with the aim of tarnishing my hard earned name expecting to gain any political advantage over me. Nobody rises by destroying others. We got wind of it, and I want to use this opportunity to advise and, of course, warn any person or groups of people who may be linked to such an enterprise to desist because I will explore to the fullest all avenues made available to me by the laws of the land to seek redress. I need not say more than that because he who alleges must provide the evidence.”

Utuama used the opportunity to appeal to all the delegates for the December 8 governorship primaries in the state to shun material, individualistic and ethnic sentiments and place the overall interest of the state and our children above every other immediate gains since the good of the state is the good of all while the good of an individual cannot translate to the good of all.

“I appeal to all our respected and responsible delegates to vote for me. We need somebody with the right experience, maturity, credibility, capability, someone who is dependable; someone who is politically humane and effective in harnessing our state’s great potential for the good of all. And that person is me,” he said.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Chief Dan Pella, had told Utuama that following their continuous consultation, they were happy to note that his aspiration enjoys widespread acceptability. He assured him that the group is solidly behind him given his track record of

service delivery from his days as the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice till the present as the states Deputy Governor.

Pella’s words: “We are solidly behind you. You are the most qualified and experienced person for the Office of the Governor of Delta State out of the whole aspirants. We are happy that you agreed to the call of the Peoples Network, and that you were cleared by the Screening Committee to contest. You have been in the system and know what it will take and how to move the state to the next level for the good of all Deltans.

“Our prayer is that God will crown our efforts with success. We also appeal to you to redouble your efforts because the state needs you now than ever.”

•Photo shows Utuama.