By Oghenekevwe Laba
LAGOS AUGUST 14TH (URHOBOTODAY)-One time member of Federal House of Representative and former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Chief Edesiri Emmanuel Aguariavwodo has declared his intention to contest for the Delta Central Senatorial bye election made vacant by the death of Senator Pius Ewherido.

Aguariavbodo who made the declaration on Monday at Egborode at the country home of the Chairman of PDP Delta Central Chief Tom Amioku urged the Urhobos to back him in his effort to clinch the ticket to represent the zone in the Senate, adding that if he gets there he would use his wealth of experience and contacts which he had gathered over the years to bring speedy development to Urhobo community.
According to him, “If I am giving the opportunity to represent the Urhobos at the Senate, I will fight for the interest of the Urhobos and that of Delta State. I have been to the House of Representative and also Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). I am not a novice. In recent times, I have not been far away from Abuja so I am aware of happenings at Abuja. I am close to the personalities on top and such what will the urhobo not benefit if I am sent to the Senate. I cannot fold my hand when I know I am very capable to be at the Senate. That is why I am presenting myself. I will not discriminate against any one. I belonged to all the Urhobobo groups. My home will be their home. I will convince the power that be to develop and industrialise Urhobo community .
He equally assured that if he is elected he would used his connection to enlarge membership of PDP in Delta State by wooing more followers into the party.
“If my party present me, I will ask all in Delta State to come to PDP. They should forget about other parties. In Edo state something happened there which will not allow to happen Delta state. Everyone is suffering there. I promise to rally urhobo nation to PDP . My role is service to the people,” He assured.
Responding, Chief Tom Amioku who described Aguariavwodo as as gentle and discipline man said they are happy that Urhobo personalities are showing interest in the vacant Senatorial position.
He maintained that Urhobo need the people with the kind of credentials Aguariavwo possessed to represent them at the Federal level, just as he prayed for him to be successful in his ambition to represent the Urhobo at the Senate.
“PDP is a big party. It is an elephant. In issue like this, if Urhobo personalities did not show up who will you blame? Others are coming and it is from there they will pick a candidate. PDP must win this election that is why we have to be careful.
“He said he has d experience. What he need is prayer from Urhobo elders. You should pray for his success. He has to do it from top, middle and grassroot. Those on top are the most important. As you are doing that of central, state is there, federal is there and your immediate constituency is also there. As you are doing it, yo u are giving us feed backs. As you are going, our prayers will go with in the victory in Jesus Christ,” Amioku assured.