Ahead of Nigeria‘s Democracy Day anniversary on May 29, Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has harped on the need for greater unity, devoid of hatred and destructive rumours among Deltans.

Speaking about the rumour of his death, he said he had a health challenge recently and rather than pray for his quick recovery, some persons were wishing him dead and planning to buy a casket for his burial.

He said this at an Inter-denominational Thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 26, 2013 held at the Flock of Christ Mission, Enerhen in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State, to mark the 2013 Democracy Day and 2nd Anniversary of his administration.

In his words; “As Deltans, let us do away with hatred, we should shun ethnic hatred; hatred will lead us to nowhere but destruction. There is too much hatred for one another in the state and too much rumour mongering. Rumour came recently that I have passed away and many people were happy about the news. I can be sick because I am human being. I actually had a health challenge recently. But I am alright now; I spent three days in Abuja over my health. People were spreading rumour that I was dead and they were ready to buy a casket for my burial. But you can see I have conquered the fear of death. There is so much rumour in our state and it is unfair to spread all types of rumour. If people are sick, we should pray for their recovery and not to wish them dead”

“We must stop spreading dangerous rumours; they are destructive rumours, they do not build the society, they destroy society and that is why I am urging all Deltans on the need to live in unity and Deltans should help my administration to finish strong. Pray for us to succeed,” he added.

Governor Uduaghan said he had stormy elections and praised Rev. (Dr) Simeon Okah of Flock of Christ Mission and National Vice President, PFN, South-South Zone for his prayers and support.

The Governor who had earlier read the First Scripture from Zachariah 4:1-14 said that; “We had stormy elections in the state and Rev. Okah supported us greatly and he was even prosecuted for being on my side. After the elections, he challenged me on education, agriculture and other issues. I want to say that we are determined to remain strong. We are doing more in area of education. We are finishing strong in several areas but not in agriculture. But we will do something to finish strong in agriculture.”

On security challenges, Governor Uduaghan said; “We are being proactive in security challenges, especially kidnapping. We are destroying places where kidnappers stay and where they keep their victims. We are also chasing the native doctors assisting kidnappers. We have jailed many kidnappers and I must commend the judiciary for their support in the war against kidnappers. The judiciary has tried in this aspect and we are winning the war against kidnappers. We still have some challenges but we shall overcome them.”

The governor who also spoke on the recent ban on okada, commended Deltans for their understanding, saying that, “we are not being wicked by banning okada, but trying to create a peaceful state for all and rid the state of criminals. We are trying to finish strong in all that we are doing. I want to thank our royal father for embracing Christianity. Most of our royal fathers are now inviting men of God to their Palace for prayers. Embracing Christ by royal fathers means that there is hope. I want to urge all royal fathers in the state to embrace Christ.”

He urged all Nigerians to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan as he tackles Boko Haram and other national problems. And he said; “We are all potential victims of Boko Haram and this is why we must support the President to win this war.”

In his message, Rev. Okah said man was created in the image of God, adding that for that alone man should be thankful to God, stressing that, “ we must love each other and be united as a state and together we shall make it as a state. We should continue to pray for the Governor of the state for him to deliver on his promises.”

The State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama read the second scripture taking from Romans 12;1-11 just as Delta State University Choir, Government House Chapel Choir and Flock Voices of Christ Mission Choir thrilled the congregation at the ceremony.

Earlier on Friday, May 24, 2013, the Delta State Government unfolded its program to mark Democracy Day in the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, Esq, who discloised this at a news briefing in Asaba said the week-long celebration starts on Sunday at Flock of Christ Mission, Warri.

On Monday, there will be Walk for Life at 7am, to be led by the Governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to be followed by activities marking children’s day celebration at 10am.

He said Tuesday will be for the final of the Governor’s Cup at the Warri Stadium and called on all Deltans to be at the venue for the match. On Wednesday, which is the D-day, the Governor will commission a lot of projects in the state.

This will enable the people to know what the governor has been able to do in the state as a mark of democracy dividends. On the same day, they will be lunch for traditional rulers and opinion leaders and other Deltans in the state at 2pm. The occasion will also provide them opportunity to interact.

The commissioner also disclosed that there will be talent hunt show to be handled by a member of the committee and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barrister Richard Mofe- Damijo.

According told him, project commissioning in the state will continue after the Wednesday celebration.