Delta leaders drum support for Uduaghan

Delta leaders on Tuesday debunked allegations of oppression, intimidation and marginalization against some leaders and ethnic groups in the state, saying Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, apart from running a government based on honesty and fairness, is also propagating peaceful co-existence through inter- ethnic capacity building among residents in the state.
The leaders, in a statement issued by the Director of Communications of The People’s Movement, Ibifuro Tatua, in Abuja, accused some individuals of plotting to destabilize the state.
They dismissed the position of rights activist and lawyer, Festus Keyamo; the Delta State Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Party, Chukwugozie Ezeagwu; Chief David Omoru; and others on the performance of the Uduaghan-led Peoples Democratic Party government, saying the government has provided the basic infrastructure to stimulate growth and development in the state.
The Delta leaders said: “In Delta State, we have seen hopes maturing to reality.
“War on crime has been declared and that fight has been won.
“The rule of law is respected in Delta State.
“Public servants are properly paid.
“The government has put smiles on the faces of the people by executing policies and programmes that have direct impact in the lives of the people.
“The government has invested in education, health, sports, rural development, security and housing and the benefits are there for all to see.”
The leaders, who described Uduaghan’s performance as encouraging, commended him for nurturing popular democracy, protecting life and personal liberty, pursuing justice, creating opportunities for the youths and providing meaningful developmental projects across the state as well as ensuring equity and fairness in appointment to political offices.
“For members of the Egbema Progressive Network, Egbema for Positive Change, the Isoko Action Forum and some individuals to say their people have been marginalized and oppressed by a man who runs a government that is all inclusive and all-embracing, one that excludes no one is to say the least unbelievable and mischievous,” the leaders said.
Continuing, the leaders said: “Uduaghan appointed some Isoko and Ijaw sons and daughters into key positions of his administration.
“Many schools are being built or rehabilitated, solar electricity provided, streets dualized and new roads constructed in Isoko and Ijaw areas.
“The Delta State University, Oleh Campus and the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro Campus are well funded by the government.
“Uduaghan wants to make Delta State stable and prosperous.
“He is moving with great zeal and vigour to make the difference.”
The leaders advised Ijaw indigenes in Warri North, the Urhobo leadership of the PDP in Warri South Local Government Area and members of the Isoko Action Forum to define the objectives and strategies of their political struggles more clearly than degenerating to abuses, lies and wild allegations.
They also advised those flexing muscles to bury the hatchet in the interest of the state, urging them to mend the walls of traditional affinity.
The leaders called on Egbema and Isoko elders at home and abroad to eschew all forms of violence.
They said: “We have a governor with a listening ear.
“We have a governor that is committed to the development of the state.
“We have a governor that is providing responsible, accountable and transparent leadership to the people.
“The avenue of peaceful dialogue is still available to the youths.
“These times require you to use your influence to prevail on the youths to desist from this hopeless cause.”
They further urged Deltans, irrespective of tribe, religion or political difference, to give full support to Uduaghan’s administration to enable him complete his tenure smoothly and successfully.