Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has urged traditional rulers in the state to ensure that their subjects are not involved in any action capable of causing inter-communal crisis.
The governor who described the killing or beheading of individuals as barbaric and not in tune with what is happening in the 21st century, observed that such killings were capable of igniting retaliatory attacks capable of leading to inter-communal crisis.
While assuring of his administration’s commitment for dialogue to be harnessed as the best form of resolving disputes, Governor Okowa stated that peaceful communities would translate to a peaceful state.
The governor spoke today at a thanksgiving service held at the Church of God Mission, Olu Palace, Warri as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the 1st coronation anniversary of His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri.
Governor Okowa who stormed the Olu Palace accompanied by retinue of political office holders asserted, “we are in a very serious situation, things that happened when people never knew God are happening now.”
“You must forgive who you think must have wronged you, a heart which is forgiving always lives in peace,” Governor Okowa said, adding that giving thanks to God was very vital but the greatest of all thanksgiving is, “giving a reconciled heart to God because, whatever you have given in thanksgiving is nothing if you don’t have a forgiving heart.”
He congratulated the Olu of Warri on his one year anniversary and used the occasion to call for prayers for the country, the state, local government and different Kingdoms in the state.
“Your Majesty (Olu of Warri), I congratulate you and thank you for giving your heart to God and we believe you reign will be peaceful, if we have peaceful Kingdoms, there will be peace in Delta State,” he said.
Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Mike Laju urged people to live a life of thanksgiving, a life of giving, stating, “what makes a man great is not what he has but, what he has done with what God has blessed him with; what will God remember you for?”