Game over for kidnappers in Delta – Uduaghan

*As Ovie of Agbarha-Otor receives staff of office

By Festus Ahon

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, yesterday, said the game was over for kidnappers.

Uduaghan, who spoke during the presentation of staff of office to the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State, HRM Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle Okorefe I, said kidnapping was a heinous crime which must be brought to a halt the way slave trade was brought to an end.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama, the governor said the sanctity of human life must be recognized and respected. He urged traditional rulers to work closely with local government council chairmen to promote peace and security in their domains.

According to him, if every traditional ruler was able to arrest the wave of criminality in his domain, it will translate to a crime-free Delta State and a crime-free Nigeria. He commended the people of the Agbarha-Otor Kingdom for the peaceful process of the ascension of HRM Okorefe I into the throne.

Gov Uduaghan

Gov Uduaghan

“I have no doubt that the institution of the Ovie has great significance for the people of Agbarha-Otor and, as such, you will all strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according His Royal Majesty the respect he truly deserves. I urge you therefore to give him your fullest support,” he said.

Advising the monarch to discharge his responsibilities in transparent manner, the Governor enjoined him to imbibe the virtues of dialogue and consultation in all his dealings with his people.

Fielding questions with newsmen during the ceremony, first civilian governor of the state, Olorogun Felix Ibru, described the event as great and something every Agbarha Otor indigene should be proud of. He enjoined the people of the kingdom to be thankful to God because there was no problem of succession.

On his part, the commissioner representing Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Ominimini Obuiwebwi, described the ceremony as unique as Agbarha-Otor is the ancestral home of the Agbarha people.

Comments are moderated. Please keep them clean and brief.