Okowa cautions Nigerians on hate speeches

GOVERNOR of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has kicked against any action that could lead to disaffection in the country, especially hate speeches.

“We must be cautious of the statement we make because, the unity of this country is what all of us must work to sustain.

“We must learn to partner with ourselves and engage in actions that will deepen our love for one another.”

“We thank God for the return of Mr President to the country, death is not a thing that one can wish any one and the return of President Buhari deserves to be celebrated.

“Nigerians have come to realize that it is better for us to remain united as a people,” he reiterated.

Okowa gave the caution on Sunday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the 26th creation anniversary of the state held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Delta Province 3 Headquarters, Asaba.

The governor said Deltans have Evey reason to celebrate given ‘reasonable restoration of peace, especially in our creeks where there is no longer destruction of pipelines.”

“Though the impact of the peace that has returned to the creeks may not have been felt in our economy, because the state did not only suffer from the effect of consistent low price of oil for more than 38 months.

“We were not just affected by the price going down and the quantum produced but, there is hope that it will be better,” he noted.

The elated governor, therefore, expressed gratitude to all Deltans, especially the church for prayers and militants, for laying down their arms.

“We are grateful to the church for the prayers, we are thankful to the youths for sheathing their swords, we thank our traditional rulers for their interventions, and to all those who worked for peace to return to our state, we say, thank you,” he said.

He enjoined Nigerians to unite and build a new country, adding, “We must continue to provide leadership in our homes and communities.”

Meanwhile, in his sermon, Rev Jonathan Ihwighwu, who urged parents to concentrate on instilling the right morals on their children for a better society, called for support for the Okowa’s administration.

He challenged people in authority to glorify the name of God by engaging in the right actions.

Dignitaries at the service were Senator James Manager, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborovweri and his Deputy, Rt Hon Friday Osanebi, Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, former Deputy Governor Benjamin Elue, traditional rulers and political office holders, among others.