Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, this afternoon defeated his gubernatorial opponents, Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP) and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of the All Progressive Congress (APC), at the Court of Appeal in a judgment delivered in Abuja.

Senator Okowa had earlier defeated the duo at the Electoral Tribunal which sat in the state capital, Asaba.

Governor Okowa, flanked by his wife, Edith, expressed surprise that Deltans could defy the public holiday to join him in a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, after the judgment was delivered.

He said that his victory was made possible by God through the prayers of Deltans, who came out massively to vote for him in the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial elections.

“In the last few days, there have been a lot of rumours, a lot of speculations but we continued to trust in the Lord. I thank God for His faithfulness and I appreciate all Deltans for your prayers and support, the wish of Deltans expressed in the April 2015 elections have been upheld,”

Senator Okowa said.

He stressed that “it is time they (my opponents) have a rethink, it is time for peace to reign in Delta State, we believe that Delta State is one and we need to live as brothers and sisters.”

He made it clear that “there is room for reconciliation, for peace,” adding: “We must continue to build bridges, we must continue to do those things that unites us as a people. Delta State is greater than all of us and if their ambition is all about Delta State and not personal, they should join us in taking Delta State to greater heights.”

Earlier, the Chaplain of Government House Chapel, Ven. Charles Osemenam, said in a sermon: “The door of prosperity has been opened in Delta State, God’s name will always be glorified. The victory at the Court of Appeal was the victory of the faithfulness of God, our God cannot fail.”

Prominent Deltans, among them Senator James Manager of Delta South Senatorial District and members of House of Representatives, attended the ceremony.

•Photo shows Governor Okowa.

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