Nigeria, July 29, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
DELTA State Governor, 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 Tuesday , July 28, 2015, Governor Okowa said rumour mongering among the people is retrogressive.
According to him, “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 Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Emmanuel Chukwuma had at 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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