By Onome Oghenetega
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has met with the immediate family of his late Special Assistant on Youth Development, Mr Lawrence Ngozi Ijei Akpomiemie.
Mr Akpomiemie also popularly known as Ngozi was reportedly assassinated by unknown gunmen on the eve of the postponed Presidential and National Assembly in Ekpan, Uvwie Council Area of the state.
Okowa, who met with the wife and children of the slain aide, said the murder of Ngozi was politically motivated.
He disclosed that his late aide was instrumental to the return of peace to Ekpan until those he described as not having value for life gruesomely murdered him.
The governor who signed the condolence register noted that Ngozi’s death was painful not only to his immediate family but also to his government.
He said, “The death of Ngozi Ijei was very unfortunate as he was slain and it was obvious that it was politically motivated.”
“In the last two years we had worked to have peace in the Ekpan area and he played a crucial role in the peace process, but, unfortunately, those who do not value life decided to strike. It is not the best thing to do for it pays us nothing for us to lose a life to win in an election.
“Ngozi was the architect of peace in the new Ekpan of our dream; he had worked largely with the security agencies in the last two years to make Ekpan peaceful. We will miss him dearly for his contributions.
“I condole with the young family, and it is our prayers that God will fill this gap and give them peace. Adieu Ngozi, may the Lord receive you in his bosom.”
The governor who had the visit called for violent-free elections, stressed that politicians could engage in issue-based campaigns without killing or maiming the electorate whom they want to govern.
“We should continue to embrace peace as the election comes up because going to the extent of using guns to get votes is not the best way for our country.
“I believe that it is important that all Nigerians should realize that getting votes can be achieved by what one has already done and the improvement that can be seen, not by violence.”
“I know that the loss of a dear one is very painful but, stay strong for the children,” the governor told Mrs Veronica Ijei, wife of the deceased who was crying throughout the period he spent with the family.
Okowa was accompanied by the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso and a chieftain of the party, Chief Nkem Okwuofu.
