Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has sued for calm among those seeking to retaliate as a result of the activities of Boko Haram Islamic sect.
He observed that retaliation could throw the country into religious war, emphasising that it should not be a case of “an eye for eye”.
Uduaghan made the call on Wednesday during an “executive phone-in programme” aired live on the television and radio arms of the Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri.
In particular, he urged those behind the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) who threatened retaliation against Muslim interests to sheathe their swords, reiterating, “We should not escalate the situation, the president is on top of the situation and everything will normalise soon”.
He emphasised that security issues are complex, advising that people should be cautious so that they won’t jeopardise the efforts being made by President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that there was peace and mutual understanding in the country.
Governor Uduaghan also threw light on his recent frequent visit to Warri, disclosing that it was to boost the security situation of the oil-rich city and ensure the day to day monitoring of projects being executed in Warri and environs.
“Today, we are ranked 4th among oil producing states in the country”, the governor said, a situation he linked to security issues which he said must be tackled by his administration, reiterating that Government House remains in Asaba and that he has not relocated to Warri.
He charged those who are engaged in criminal activities to take to meaningful and acceptable ventures, stating, “Criminality in any form is not justifiable”.
On the issue of death penalty for kidnappers which he has not signed into law, the governor noted that death penalty has not stopped criminal activities in any part of the world, adding, “Worldwide, people are moving away from death penalty”
