Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has attributed the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during Saturday’s gubernatorial election to the unity among the various ethnic groups in the state.

Speaking in Asaba Monday evening when the Governor-Elect, Senator lfeanyi Okowa, and party chiefs paid a ‘Thank You Visit’, Governor Uduaghan noted that the victory was for all Deltans as they all participated in ensuring victory for the party.

“Every segment of the state was involved in this victory, it is a pan-Deltan victory and we need to maintain this accord of being one state without division. Today is the crowning of so many years of hard work and dedication; it is the will of God,” he said.

Uduaghan further said: “The victory is made possible by the credible candidate the party presented for the position. Our selection process as a party will be such that we will always get a credible and strong candidate for any position.”

The governor promised to do a stock-taking on the electoral victory. “Within the next few weeks, l will call a meeting of selected leaders in the party to review what has happened in the general elections in the state and use it to rebuild the party from the state level and this can also be useful at the national level,” he said.

Senator Okowa in his remarks said he came to say ‘thank you’ to Governor Uduaghan for all he did in ensuring the victory of the PDP in the state. “We are particularly impressed that you debunked the ‘unholy rumour’ that was spreading like wild fire concerning your Excellency’s commitment to PDP victory,” Okowa said.

He added: “You were a General in the field and all you did motivated us. May God bless you and your family and keep us together as we move forward. I thank the Campaign organisation, I thank the people of Delta State, and our party as well as our agents. You all did well.

“We will be loyal to you and to our leaders, including Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Chief Ibori and Dr. Uduaghan remain the real leaders of the PDP in Delta State. We will remain as a family. No matter the issues leading up to the elections. But it is time to put those issues behind and chart a way forward.

“A lot of sacrifices need to be made by all so that as more people as possible can be accommodated in my administration.”

The Deputy Governor-Elect, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, Dr. Joseph Otumara, and Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Director General and Chairman, PDP Campaign Organisation, respectively in their addresses commended Governor Uduaghan for his support and co-operation in ensuring the electoral victory noting that the Governor was leaving behind a lot of legacies particularly that of peace and unity for the state.

•Photo shows Uduaghan (middle) with Okowa (2^nd right) and others PDP chiefs . . . last night in Asaba.