Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged the people of the state to continue to embrace peace in order to enhance the development of the state.
Okowa made the appeal on Saturday at a meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta South Senatorial District in Warri.
He noted that without peace, no meaningful development could be achieved.
Okowa expressed hope that with the relative peace that had returned to the state in recent times, Delta would soon climb to the second position in terms of revenue allocation.
“Delta has fallen back to the fourth position in terms of revenue sharing because of the recent crisis in the state.
“With the return of peace and the increase in oil production, in the next few months we will climb to the second position and gradually move to the first position,” he said.
The governor urged the people to unite and continue to support the PDP.
He assured them of more developmental projects even in the phase of the dwindling economy.
Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, urged the party faithfuls to remain united and continue to support the state government.
He also commended his successor (Okowa) for his various developmental drive and his efforts at restoring peace to the state.
“I want to acknowledge what Okowa is doing in the state. You are moving the state forward Mr Governor and by the grace of God you will record great achievements.
“We should avoid rumour mongering; it will not do us any good.
“James Ibori is ready to hold us together as one party in Delta, so it is where our leader goes that we will go,” he said.
The event was convened by the PDP Chairman, Delta Senatorial District, Mr Emman Amgbaduba, and was held at Uduaghan’s premises in Warri.
Amgbaduba in his address, urged the people to unite and continue to support the governor.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Delta South Senatorial District comprises of Warri South, Warri North, Warri South-West, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Isoko North and Isoko South Local Government Areas.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a communiqué containing the endorsement of Okowa by the party supporters to run in 2019 governorship race.
The communiqué was presented to Okowa by Mr Solomon Funkekeme.
In attendance were South-South PDP Chairman, Mr Emma Ogidi, PDP Chairman in Delta, Mr Kingsley Esiso, Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, Sen. James Manager, Mr Loe Igor, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, members of the Delta House of Assembly among others.
(NAN)