Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Saturday felicitated with Nigerians on the 57th Independence anniversary with a charge on Nigerians to work against violence and all threats to the corporate existence of the country.

In a statement in Asaba on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, Governor Okowa admonished Nigerians to be proud of their country and desist from acts that are inimical to the continued corporate existence of the country.

The statement said: “On behalf of Government and the people of Delta State, I congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 2017 Independence Day celebration on October 1, 2017.

“Our people have enjoyed democracy since 1999 and appreciates better, the inherent gains of democracy, as respect for human rights and the rule of law. As Nigerians we must continue to work together to surmount the challenges threatening to destabilising our budding democracy and undo the gains achieved in the past 18 years.”

“We should be proud to be Nigerians because God in His infinite wisdom did not make a mistake in His decision to make us Nigerians,” Okowa said, adding, it is a day to celebrate our glorious state and great nation; and to pay tribute to our countrymen and women who sacrificed so that we can celebrate this day; we should never forget the sacrifices of our heroes past.”

The Governor observed that at 57, the journey has not been easy for the country, as she has witnessed economic and political setbacks; bloodletting largely due to misguided religious extremists.

“It is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith at this critical period of economic challenges,” Senator Okowa advised.

He commended Deltans especially the oil producing communities for giving peace a chance which has culminated in uninterrupted oil production in the region.

•Photo shows Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, during Governor Okowa’s visit to Benin City.