Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta on Wednesday in Asaba said that the rampant cases of kidnapping in the state were not politically motivated.
Uduaghan spoke at the opening ceremony of a three-day seminar organised by the Office of the Special Adviser on Intra-Party Relationship for political parties in the state.
Represented by Dr Festus Okubor, Chief of Staff to the Delta Government, he advised that political parties should avoid politicising every issue, and to avoid rumour mongering.
The governor urged participants to stand for peace, equity, fair play and equal opportunity for all, and commended them for their bravery in remaining in their parties in spite of all odds.
He cautioned them against fragmented party system, as it could lead to crisis, and said that parties should be aware of polarised fragmented system and should learn to manage their differences.
The governor also said that intra-party relationship on public policy matters was paramount to the present administration in the state.
He further said that the theme of the seminar: “Peaceful Co-Existence of Political Parties for Meaningful Development in Delta State’’ was apt as party system was necessary for channelling democratic responsibilities.
Uduaghan also said that democracy needed strong political parties to satisfy basic needs of the society.
Earlier, Mr Taju Isichei, Special Adviser to the Delta Government on Intra-party Relations, said that the seminar was to create awareness and increase knowledge of the need to work together and promote unity in diversity.
Isichei said that this was irrespective of perceptions, ideologies, culture, beliefs or self fulfilling prophesies about self actualisation and state fulfilment.
He noted that if the differences were harmonised positively and constructively, it would transform and create meaningful development in the state.
Similarly, Mr Victor Ochei, Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, also called on residents of the state, especially political parties to work with the government to avoid distraction.
Ochei represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Ephraim Osunbor, advised political parties to reduce the usage of the media in addressing issues when they had access to the state government.
“Do not heat up the polity, you must try at all times to educate your party members on the need for unity and partnership with the ruling government,” he said. (NAN)