As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State flags off its campaign ahead of the February/March elections, a former governor of Delta State and number one leader of the party in the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has advised candidates of the party and their supporters to be peaceful in the conduct of the campaign.
Ibori who gave this advice while addressing a mammoth crowd of party supporters during the flag-off of the State campaign in Oghara Friday, enjoined the party’s campaigners not to inject violence even as he said that avoiding trouble does not mean being lazy.
He said: “PDP stalwarts, please as you go into the field, be peaceful. As you go into the field, peaceful in the conduct of your campaigns.
“You do not look for trouble. But it does not mean we are lazy. We are peaceful people. PDP is a peaceful party.”
The former governor further advised that, “anybody that wants to contest should go to the people, sell the programme of your party to your people. If they want to elect you, they will. But cannot inject violence. By no means should we inject violence.”
He also urged others not to look for the trouble of PDP campaigners.
Earlier, the former governor had reiterated his conviction of the ability and capability of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to lead the PDP campaign to victory, adding that as a governor, Okowa had performed creditably.
Ibori also used the occasion to address the people of Delta Central to support Governor Okowa for a second term, adding that after his second tenure it will be the turn of Urhobo.
Also, speaking at the occasion, Governor Okowa thanked party members for turning up en masse for the flag off just as he commended the Campaign Organization headed by Hon. Funkekeme Solomon as DG, for a job well done.
Okowa also reeled out his achievements in the past three and half years, challenging the opposition to a debate on who deserves and capable to govern the state.
Others who eulogized the sterling qualities of Gov. Okowa and his performance include, former deputy governors Chief Elue and Prof Utuama, Deputy Gov. Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Senator Osakwe, Senator Stella Omu, Dr. Oritsejafor, state party chairman, Barr. Kingsley Ediso, others.
The high point of the occasion was the handing over of flags to the candidates of the party.
