Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that free, fair and credible 2019 general elections will boost respect for Nigeria among comity of nations and attract foreign direct investment.

Governor Okowa stated this on Tuesday when the recently inaugurated executive committee of the Delta State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Apostle Sylvanus Okorote paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

According to the governor, “The Church should pray for our country Nigeria and the state; the Church should make its position known that we can have free and fair elections in Nigeria because, if we have credible elections, the comity of nations will have respect for us in the country and there will be direct foreign investment and the resource base of the country will develop.

“We need to do a lot more to ensure that our elections are free, fair and credible; I hope that the INEC and security agencies will play their part, but it falls on every Nigerian to ensure that we have free and fair elections and stand up and speak the truth; 2019 elections is a critical moment in the history of this country.”

The Governor used the occasion to reel out efforts of his administration to construct, Warri/Sapele road, especially the Enerhen Junction; Trans Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road and the Ughelli/Asaba road. He stated that the continuous partnership between the church and government can only lead to positive results.

He stated: “The partnership between the church, traditional institutions and government must be strengthened for the state to develop and grow; the church should pray for our country Nigeria and the state.”

Governor Okowa thanked members of CAN for their prayers and assured that as we enter the Yuletide season, security have been beefed up while there are efforts to upgrade the Asaba Airport to international standards.

Apostle Okorete had thanked Governor Okowa for the development stride in all parts of the state, stating that the visit was to introduce the executive of CAN, Delta State to the Governor, asserting: “We appreciate you for the development projects going on in different parts of the state; we appreciate the security apparatus you have put in place to reduce kidnapping and crime in the state; your (Governor Okowa) peaceful disposition has also quelled communal violence in the state.”

•Photo by Bripin Enarusai shows Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left), and the new State CAN Chairman, Snr Apostle Sylvanus Okorote JP during a courtesy call by the new CAN Executive on the Governor in Asaba

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