By Festus Ahon
ASABA—Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday said he knew those who would not be governors of the state in 2015, adding that Nigerians have every cause to celebrate as a nation on attaining 54 years of independence.

Speaking during the 54th independence anniversary celebration in Asaba, Uduaghan said 54 years after, Nigeria was still standing as one nation. He thanked Nigerians for supporting the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President of the country.

Noting that no president has had the kind of security challenges President Jonathan is having, Uduaghan urged  Nigerians to give Jonathan all the support he needs to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency.

He, however, told those behind the insurgents to take advantage of the country’s 54th independence anniversary to put a stop to the insurgency. He prayed for those putting their lives on the line for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

He, meanwhile, urged those vying for the governorship in the state to ensure that no life was lost in their campaigns and warned them against acts capable of disorganising the state.

The governor expressed sadness at those forging documents in order to pull him or the state down, adding: “Nobody can pull me down; nobody can pull Delta State down.”

He charged governorship aspirants in the state to tell Deltans what they would do if elected rather than indulging in inciting statements.

He added that only God knows who would be the next governor of the state, “but I know those who will not be governor.”

He thanked security agencies in the state for helping to protect lives and property of Deltans, adding that the Delta Beyond Oil initiative was still on course.