Delta leaders under the aegis of the People’s Movement today described as irresponsible and a campaign of calumny recent utterances by the Mega People’s Progressive Party (MPPP) governorship candidate in the 2011 election, Chief Afro Biukeme, and his associates which tended to cast the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Government in negative light.

In a statement issued by the Director of Communications, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, of the People’s Movement advised Governor Uduaghan to ignore Biukeme & co. and go on with important matters of state, describing them as arrogant and reckless politicians pursuing their selfish agenda.

“Delta State is not a breeding ground for irresponsible politicians, dissidents, angry and almost illiterate young men who know little and care more about their selfish interest. We are not prepared to remain silent while those destroying the governor’s name and the state claim to be doing so in the name of opposition,” the group of respected leaders said.

They praised Uduaghan for his honesty and bravery in the management of the state as well as his inclusive strategy, which they said have opened a path to the unity of the people despite language and political differences.

According to the People’s Movement, “Uduaghan is a tower of strength. In six years, the governor has much to look back to with pride. In his pursuit of integrity and dignity, he has never compromised and has tried never to humiliate his enemies. In six years, he created a new image for the state. In six years, the governor deliberately kept school fees as low as possible. In six years, the rural people received clean water. Schools, houses and hospital were built. In six years, he freed millions trapped in the prison of poverty. He slashed the state’s illiteracy rate dramatically. He brought the peace to the state. Today, the state’s economy is growing. The budget is well implemented. The cabinet is all inclusive. Crime and corruption has been tackled head-on. His Excellency has travelled far. He is doing quite well.”

Continuing, the leaders said: “Deltans have reasons to be grateful to Uduaghan for his contributions to the growth and development of the state. There is improvement in the lives of the people. The number of unemployed young adults has reduced.”

Rebuffing the arrogance and disrespect of Biukeme, the leaders said but for Uduaghan’s extraordinary commitment to reconciliation and tolerance, ethnic crises would have taken over the state.

While advising the governor not to lose sleep to the MPPP candidate’s smear campaign and false allegations, the group commended him for his leadership qualities.

“His Excellency is passionate, emotional and sensitive. He is dedicated and fearless. He is a fighter for good governance and transparency. He is the born leader of the masses,” the statement said.

On the third tier system, the leaders said Uduaghan’s strategy was to offer power to the people at the grassroots. “The governor’s focus is to transform the local government system through open, transparent and democratic processes,” they said.

The leaders, who condemned those linking Uduaghan to an evil cabal that had held Delta State captive, urged the people to be patient. They warned that “unethical conducts would not guarantee Biukeme and his co-travellers the kind of financial reward they desire from cheap blackmail.”

•Photo shows Governor Uduaghan.

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