Rumour of my death mischievous –Uduaghan

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called on Deltans to shun destructive rumours just as he said he had health challenge recently but not dead as was rumoured by mischief-makers.

Uduaghan, who spoke yestertday at the inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the 2013 Democracy Day and second anniversary of his administration held at the Flock of Christ Mission, Enerhen in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, said the rumour of his death was rife, when he only had a health challenge recently and rather than pray for his quick recovery, some persons were wishing him dead and were planning to buy a casket for his burial.

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 a human being. I actually had a health challenge recently. But I am all right 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.

“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 said.

On security challenges, 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, “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.”