As Nigerians prepare for elections, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for violent-free elections, saying politicians could engage in issue-based campaigns without killing or maiming the electorates.

Governor Okowa made the call on Monday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of his political aide, Mr Ngozi Ijei, who was allegedly assassinated on the eve of the botched Presidential and National Assembly elections in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to the Governor, “The death of Ngozi Ijei was very unfortunate as he was slain and it was obvious that it was politically motivated.

“In the last two years we had worked to have peace in the Ekpan area and he played a crucial role in the peace process, but, unfortunately, those who do not value life decided to strike and it is not the best thing to do for it pays us nothing for us to lose a life to win in an election.

“We should continue to embrace peace as the election comes up because, going to the extent of using guns to get votes is not the best way for our country; I believe that it is important that all Nigerians should realise that getting votes can be achieved by what one has already done and the improvement that can be seen, not by violence.”

Okowa urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that nothing happens without the knowledge of God.

“I know that the loss of a dear one is very painful but, stay strong for the children,” the Governor told Mrs Veronica Ijei, wife of the deceased who was crying throughout the period he spent with the family.

He continued: “Depend on God; I beg you, stay strong for the sake of these children and be prayerful; God will take control of every situation; accept our condolences and in everything that you think or do, you must look up to God.”

Governor Okowa, who was in a pensive mood, wrote in the condolence register opened in memory of the deceased: “On condolence visit to the family of late Mr Ngozi Ijei, my SA (Special Assistant) who was slain on Friday, February 15, 2019.

“Ngozi was an architect of peace in the new Ekpan of our dream; he had worked largely with the security agencies in the last two years to make Ekpan peaceful; we will miss him dearly for his contributions. I condole with the young family, and it is our prayers that God will fill this gap and give them peace. Adieu Ngozi, may the Lord receive you in his bosom.” Governor Okowa went on the condolence visit in company of the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, and a chieftain of the party, Chief Nkem Okwuofu.

•Photo by Jibunor Samuel shows Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Mrs. Veronica Ijei (2nd left); Delta State PDP Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso (right) and Chairman, Delta State Civil Service Commission, Dame Nkem Okwuofo, during Governor Okowa condolence visit to the family of Late Mr Lawrence Ngozi Ijei, SA to the Governor on Youth Development . . . on Monday in Asaba.

Update news