Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called for calm among those seeking to retaliate as a result of the activities of Boko Haram.
Uduaghan observed that retaliation could throw the country into a religious war, emphasizing that it should not be a case of “an eye for eye.”
Dr. Uduaghan made the call on Wednesday during an “executive phone-in programme” aired live on the television and radio arms of the Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri.
In particular, he urged those behind the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, who threatened retaliation against Moslem interests, to sheath their swords.
He said: “We should not escalate the situation.
“The President is on top of the situation and everything will normalise soon.”
Uduaghan emphasized that security issues are complex, advising that people should be cautious so they don’t jeopardize the efforts being made by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that there was peace and mutual understanding in the country.
Governor Uduaghan also threw light on his recent frequent visits to Warri, disclosing that it was to boost the security situation of the oil-rich city and ensure the day-to-day monitoring of projects being executed in Warri and its environs.
He said: “Today, we are ranked fourth among oil producing states in the country.”
He said the ranking is linked to the security situation in the state.
He charged those who engage in criminal activities to take to meaningful and acceptable ventures, adding: “Criminality in any form is not justifiable.”
On the issue of death penalty for kidnappers, which he has not signed into law, the governor noted that death penalty has not stopped criminal activities in any part of the world, adding: “Worldwide, people are moving away from the death penalty.”
He also advocated for a law to empower judges who sentence criminals to death to also sign their death warrants.
Uduaghan sues for calm, understanding over Boko Haram
