Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has advised Nigerians to shun utterances and actions capable of heating up the polity as the country counts down to next year’s general elections. He charged Deltans and Nigerians in general to avoid conflicts and promote peace.

“It is important,” the governor said, “that we use this period to reflect on the need to avoid future violent conflicts in our society by doing everything possible to pro toe peace and harmony at all times.

“We should all continue to pray so that the present security challenges facing the nation in some parts of the country do not degenerate. Let me use this opportunity to exhort all Nigerians to embrace dialogue and abstain from provocative utterances and actions that will create tension in the country as we approach year 2015.

“We have it as a duty to our nation to seek the path of peace, reconciliation, justice and equity at all times, so that we can create a conducive atmosphere for the consolidation of democracy in our clime.”

Uduaghan sspoke today at the launching of the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week in Asaba, the state capital.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, SAN, Uduaghan described the event as “a global tradition cherished and given prominence annually to appreciate the supreme price paid by members of the Armed Forces.”

He used the opportunity to task the legionaries, asking them to organise themselves and embark on meaningful projects and programmes that would complement the efforts of the government to improve the living standard of the ex-servicemen.

“I challenge legionaries, as senior citizens, to exhibit very high ethical values and self- discipline. I implore you to endeavour to conduct yourselves with decorum at all times,” he said.

In his speech, the state chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Major Daniel Armereh, appealed for generous donation for the up keep of the disabled, widows and orphans of those who lost their lives in peace keeping operations in both World Wars and the Nigeria Civil War.

Among the dignitaries present at the occasion were the state Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith, Dr. Joseph Otumara, Commissioner for Health, Hon. Solomon Funkekeme, Commissioner for Works, Sir Benjamin Elue, former Deputy Governor of the State and Chief Pius Sinebe, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and HRM Lucky Umoru, the Ogurimerime of Agbon Kingdom.

•Photo shows Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama SAN (middle), representing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith (left) and the State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Major Daniel Armereh, during the launching of the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week . . . today in Asaba.