The
Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has warned against rumour
mongering as the nation experiences another phase of democratic government.
Speaking
at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 90th birthday of
the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien in Asaba, Governor Okowa said
rumour mongering among the people is retrogressive.
According
to the Governor, “this is not the time to carry rumours, this is not the time
for lies on the pages of newspapers about government that is less than two
months old, it is a time to work with government, our palms are open, we are
ready to partner with anybody who has positive things to offer, yes, we welcome
criticism, constructive criticisms but I believe that it must be based on what
you think is right and not just because you want to destroy the administration,
you gain nothing from trying to destroy Delta State.”
He
emphasised, “let us work together as brothers and sisters to develop our State
for that is the call I make to all, we have opened our palms, ready to partner
with all and I thank our traditional rulers for all that they are doing to
support this administration.”
“We
have committed ourselves to serve the people and we know that God is able to
change the trend in Nigeria and things will become better and even the oil
prices that appear to be down will come up, but, beyond that, I believe that
what we are experiencing today is supposed to be a lesson to all leaders that
we cannot continue to rely just on oil,” he said.
The
Governor added, “we need to begin to think differently and to work to ensure
that we diversify our economy, we shall offer our best, we shall partner with
the people, it is our promise, continue to pray for us, continue to pray for
Delta State.”
He
thanked Obi Edozien for the roles he played for him to emerge as Governor of
Delta State and congratulated the royal father on his 90th birthday.
“You
(HRM Edozien) are a man of experience, a man with a lot of wisdom, we need to
tap into that wisdom,” Governor Okowa said while listing some of the
achievements of the Asagba and wishing him more successful years on the throne.
The
Arch-Bishop of Enugu Province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese of the Anglican
Communion, Most Revd Emmanuel Chukwuma in a sermon, challenged political office holders
to beware of sycophants and work to always live legacies that would be
appreciated by those they led.
High
point of the occasion was the reading of a congratulatory message from
President Mohammadu Buhari by his representative at the ceremony, Alhaji Abba
Kyari. Some prominent Nigerians including wife of former President Olusegun
Obasanjo attended the birthday thanksgiving service.
Dignitaries
at the service later proceeded to the event centre venue of the reception where
the Royal majesty's 9th birthday Cake was cut.
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