This was said by Okowa during a Valedictory Thanksgiving Service at St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Asaba, which marked the conclusion of his administration.
He explained that he and his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, had come to the service to give thanks to God for all that He had done over the previous eight years for him, his family, and the state.
The Governor’s words: “One thing I must thank God greatly for is the fact that there is peace and unity in this state. That we have had peace in these last 8 years, is by the grace of God.
“But, the unity in the state is borne out of the fact that God did the arrangement by Himself that today, this state can rightfully say that we stand on a tripod.
“Every senatorial district has had its impact and has been able to occupy the office of governance in this state. God made it possible and for that reason, I believe that Delta will continue to grow.”
The Governor used the opportunity to apologise to those he may have offended in the course of his duty and also pledged that he had forgiven those who deliberately offended him.
“For those who in the course of duty, I have had cause to step on their toes, I say forgive me. It possibly was because we had to do our work. I don’t think we did so deliberately.
“But, at some point in time, decisions had to be taken. Sometimes, those decisions are difficult but a man has to take the decision. I thank all of you for your cooperation. Please find a place in your hearts to forgive me.
“For those who hurt me deliberately or unknowingly, I promise you that I have forgiven all. We must move on as a people.
“We are one people, as Deltans, our destiny as a state are tied together. Therefore, we must continue to pray and work together to ensure that we make Delta State a much better place,” he stated.
On Sunday, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State credited God’s grace for the state’s peace and unity, which allowed him to keep his pledges and leave behind a more tranquil and united state after his tenure.
