Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has tasked community leaders to desist from inciting the youths to engage in destructive actions.

He made the call yesterday at a special thanksgiving service by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, at the Four Square Gospel Church, Olu Palace, Warri.

While decrying some roles played by some community leaders during the shortlived crisis in the Iwere kingdom over the Olu’s attempt to christianise his title, the governor stated that community leaders should ensure that there is peace in their various domains at all times.

“In communities where there are crisis, we must do extra work to attain peace, our leaders should work for peace rather than inciting youths to go to war,” Dr. Uduaghan said, observing that the challenging period in Iwere Kingdom was a tough one.

He said it took the wisdom and understanding of the Olu of Warri, Chiefs in the Kingdom, some community leaders, religious leaders and youths for the challenges not to have escalated.

“I want to thank our youths for their understanding in this matter, it was a difficult moment but our youths refused to be used as agents of destruction,” Governor Uduaghan said.

He observed that God intervened during the challenging period, saying: “If not for the Lord, what would Iwere Kingdom be saying now? It was a very difficult moment for us, but at the end of the day, God took control of the situation.”

The governor asserted that leadership is about what you have for the people, stressing that “leadership is not about popularity… Use the power that God has given to you wisely, I want to task Itsekiri sons and daughters to remain as one people.

“There should be understanding and the fear of God because we have one God, one King and we are one people, I am a very proud Itsekiri man. Let us remain united, let us be supportive of our King and pray for him,” Dr. Uduaghan stated.

Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Mike Laju said it was important for a people to love one another, be hopeful and believe in God, adding: “You might offend me, I might offend you but, let us learn to forgive and live together as one, that is love.”

•Photo (L-R): Governor Uduaghan and his wife Roli (left) HRM Atuwatse II, the Olu of Warri and his wife during a thanksgiving organised by Ewere Kingdom in Warri, yesterday.