Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has expressed surprise at the opposition that suddenly emerged in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in the state after the ward congresses of the party about two weeks ago.
The governor, who spoke in Asaba, the state capital, when he swore-in the newly elected Chairmen of Ndokwa East and Ethiope East local government councils of the state, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah and Mrs Faith Majemite respectively, said that he had tried to be fair to all the governorship aspirants before, during and after the congresses.
“Two weeks ago during the Ward congresses, I had meetings with the governorship aspirants, every aspirant and every leader contributed to the emergence of the delegates through a consensus list, which they signed and they all applauded the free and fair nature of the congress that brought up the delegates list.
“This, the panel took to Abuja and some aspirants while collecting or submitting their forms even went on television to commend the process, so, where is this opposition coming from?”
He asked the aspirants to take things easy, saying: “Delta State belongs to all of us. They should stop creating problems and retrace their steps so that they can land safely and get to their destinations.”
Governor Uduaghan frowned at the attitude of some of the aspirants, even as he said that he is not afraid of any gang-up against him. He insisted that in the interest of the state, the aspirants should speak the truth.
The governor emphasized the need for the aspirants to desist from engaging in divisive actions that are capable of breaching the peace of the state and that they should be truthful.
“Those who are aspiring to be governor should stop creating trouble. I have tried to be fair to all in our journey towards 2015.”
Dr. Uduaghan then congratulated the chairmen that were sworn-in for winning in the councils elections and observed that they were successful because they did not create the problem that prolonged their electoral process.
He advised them to concentrate on the area of security, payment of staff salaries and ensure that they engage in progressive projects in their local government areas.
“Your elections have proven that women can be elected into office. Women should be elected and they should put themselves forward to be elected. Today, we have four elected chairmen of councils and so many vice chairmen who are women.
“Any woman who puts herself forward for elective position will get maximum support if she is loyal, dedicated and does not gang-up against the people.”
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn in chairmen, Mrs. Majemite thanked Governor Uduaghan and members of PDP for making it possible for them to be elected and assured that they will not let the people down.
“All that you will hear from us is that we are performing. We will not let you down.” [myad]
