By Austin Ogwuda, Asaba
PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate during the just concluded  re-run, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan declared Monday shortly after being sworn as Governor that he was poised more than ever before to fast track development, just as expressed gratitude to President Goodluck  Jonathan, saying that his visit before the rerun was a big boost in achieving victory.

Shortly before the swearing in, the Chairman of Forum of Registered Political Parties (FRPP), in Delta State, Prince Obaro Unuafe addressed a news conference where he advised those threatening to challenge the outcome of the rerun election especially, Chief Great Ogboru of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) to drop the idea, noting that “we cannot continue in litigations and still expect the grace of democracy to abide in the state”.

Governor Emmanuel taking oath of allegiance as the elected Governor of Delta State during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Henry Unini

Uduaghan, who dramatically drove himself in company of his wife in a Jeep to the Cenotaph, Asaba, venue of the swearing in ceremony at exactly 4.45pm said “over the last two months as I consulted far and wide on the rerun elections, we spent time assessing and understanding the issues and the challenges that confront our people, we heard your concerns load and clear and we will do more to earn your trust.

“In the coming days”, he went on, “we are going to focus on rebuilding trust between the Government and the governed and deepening reconciliation between our various ethnic nationalities. Therefore, our common goal is to rebuild our State, devoid of ethnicity, devoid of strife and rancor.

“Today, we must stand together to reunite our people. I must say that I bear no ill feeling whatsoever howsoever against my opponents or those who voted against us. From now on we must return with greater vigour to the people’s work founded on our three point agenda of peace and security, infrastructure development and human capital development

“I assure you that this will not to be business as usual. We are going to do things differently in order to achieve our common objectives. This is time for action. And to all members of my administration, this is a time for action. I want to also let you know that I will listen more, do more and work more with you in making Delta a better state as we aggressively pursue the delivery of our campaign promises”.

Continuing, he said “I must express my deep gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo who led a powerful team in support of our rerun election. The presidential visit was a great boost to our efforts. I wish to also thank the National Peoples Democratic Party leadership led by Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo for their support and encouragement in backing us to victory”.

Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith administered the relevant oaths which were subscribed to by the Governor Uduaghan and his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama (SAN). Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi witnessed the inauguration, which was conducted under water-tight security.

In emotion-laden voice, the former acting Governor of Delta State, Prince Sam Obi said “the last couple of weeks has been most challenging. I sincerely hope and pray that Deltans should extend the same goodwill and love to the incoming administration”