Delta NDC gov candidate calls for accountability, job creation

File: The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye

The 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, Chris Iyovwaye, has called for greater accountability, transparency and job creation in the state.

Iyovwaye made the call in a statement issued on Friday in response to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Independence Day message, in which the governor urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage and patriotism.

The NDC candidate said Deltans had made significant sacrifices and called for leadership that would demonstrate the same commitment through development programmes and policies.

“With respect, Your Excellency, Deltans have sacrificed enough. What is missing is leadership that sacrifices.

“The Governor speaks of sacrifice from the altar of our sacred church, but sacrifice must be seen in the budget. Let us face facts,” Iyovwaye said.

Iyovwaye called for greater transparency in the management of the state’s revenues and allocations from the Federation Account.

He said, “So in the spirit of trust, can you publish a breakdown of how your administration has spent monies generated from revenues and allocations from FAAC from 2023-2026.

“How much of the FAAC windfall in 2025 went to capital projects that created jobs, and how much went to recurrent and political settlement?”

He also called for the revival of economic activities around the state’s ports, saying they could contribute to employment creation.

“We have four ports – Warri, Koko, Sapele, Burutu – that can give jobs to 50,000 Deltans,” he said.

Iyovwaye said government policies should translate into improved living conditions and greater opportunities for residents.

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“If we love Nigeria, we must fix Delta. Patriotism is not a sermon. It is a job. It is a working port. It is a working hospital,” he said.

He also called for stronger delivery of basic infrastructure and public services across the state.

“Democracy is not just elections. It is clean water in Ndokwa. It is good roads in Warri. It is schools where our children can sit on chairs, not on the floor. It is hospitals with doctors,” he said.

On workers’ welfare, Iyovwaye acknowledged the state government’s increase of the minimum wage to N77,500 but said rising living costs remained a concern.

“Governor Oborevwori, Deltans are not lazy. We are not unpatriotic. We are tired,” he said.

Iyovwaye called for what he described as a “reset” focused on transparency, industrialisation, job creation and accountable governance.

“What Delta needs now is not another Thanksgiving speech. What Delta needs is a ‘RESET’.

“A reset to transparency, to industrialisation, to real job creation, to a government that publishes its accounts and respects the trust of the people,” he said.

He urged Deltans to remain engaged in the affairs of the state and combine prayer with civic responsibility.

“I call on all Deltans to remain prayerful, but also to become watchful. Prayer built this nation, but accountability will save it,” he added.