Chris Iyovwaye, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Delta State, has urged the state government to prioritize accountability, transparency, and job creation. In a statement issued on Friday, Iyovwaye responded to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s Independence Day message, in which the governor urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, courage, and patriotism. Iyovwaye emphasized that Deltans had made significant sacrifices and called for leadership that would demonstrate a similar commitment through development programmes and policies.
Iyovwaye called for greater transparency in the management of the state’s revenues and allocations from the Federation Account. He requested that the government publish a breakdown of how it had spent monies generated from revenues and allocations from 2023-2026. Specifically, he asked how much of the FAAC windfall in 2025 went to capital projects that created jobs, and how much went to recurrent and political settlement. This, he believes, would promote trust and accountability in governance.
The NDC candidate also emphasized the need to revive economic activities around the state’s ports, which he believes could contribute to employment creation. Delta State has four ports – Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu – that could provide jobs for 50,000 Deltans, according to Iyovwaye. He stressed that government policies should translate into improved living conditions and greater opportunities for residents.
Iyovwaye further called for stronger delivery of basic infrastructure and public services across the state. He noted that democracy was not just about elections, but also about the provision of essential services such as clean water, good roads, schools, and hospitals. Iyovwaye acknowledged the state government’s increase of the minimum wage to N77,500 but expressed concern about rising living costs.
On the issue of workers’ welfare, Iyovwaye stated that Deltans were not lazy or unpatriotic, but were tired of the current situation. He called for a “reset” focused on transparency, industrialisation, job creation, and accountable governance. According to Iyovwaye, what Delta needs now is not another Thanksgiving speech, but a reset that prioritizes the needs of the people.
Iyovwaye urged Deltans to remain engaged in the affairs of the state and combine prayer with civic responsibility. He called on all Deltans to remain prayerful but also to become watchful, emphasizing that prayer built the nation, but accountability would save it. This, he believes, would ensure that the government remains accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
Iyovwaye’s call for accountability and job creation comes as the state prepares for the 2027 governorship election. His campaign promises to prioritize the needs of Deltans and provide leadership that would demonstrate a commitment to development programmes and policies.
Key points
- Chris Iyovwaye calls for greater transparency in the management of Delta State’s revenues.
- Iyovwaye requests a breakdown of how the state government has spent monies generated from revenues and allocations from 2023-2026.
- The NDC candidate emphasizes the need to revive economic activities around the state’s ports to create employment opportunities.
