The Delta state government has called on communities in the state to maintain peace, eschew bitter wrangling, and avoid giving wrong narratives about events in the state.
The state commissioner for information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba, urged Deltans to shun acts that could promote violence in the state.
Osuoza in the statement pointed out that it is not true that the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro has been relocated.
He said: “It has come to the attention of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Delta State Government that a protest, purportedly sponsored and coordinated by certain anti-progressive elements, was organized in Isokoland ostensibly to express discontent over the erroneous narrative that the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, was going to be relocated elsewhere.
“This narrative is not only dangerously misleading, it is also deviously manipulated misinformation and negative propaganda, fueled by known political detractors to achieve selfish political gains.
“The Delta state government is deeply saddened and disappointed that such a display of public discontent was allowed to take place, even after a very fruitful, cordial, and hugely successful meeting with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the leaders of the recognized umbrella body of Isoko nation, the Isoko Development Union, IDU, led by its President, Professor Chris Akpotu, where they were informed of the very positive initiatives and progressive strides towards strengthening and consolidating the academic and educational standard of the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
“The sponsored protest is uncalled for after the successful meeting with His Excellency, the Governor.
“For the avoidance of doubts and to set the records straight, the Delta State University of Science and Technology is NOT being relocated and HAS NOT BEEN RELOCATED.
“Again, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, confirmed to the delegation of leaders and traditional rulers from Isoko nation, that the National Universities Commission (NUC), has approved the establishment of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences for the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro.
“This is indeed a tremendous academic achievement and masterstroke of immense proportion, for a specialized Institution of Higher learning like the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro which is wholly conceived, designed, and structured specifically to train and produce graduate students in the area of Science and Technology.
“We want to assure the good people of Isoko nation that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O Oborevwori would not do anything directly or remotely and for very obvious and personal reasons, to undermine the Isoko people, especially in the area of education.
“Deltans are therefore called upon to be wary of elements who don’t mean well but hell-bent on spinning half-truths and deceptive information just to cause confusion and disaffection against the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his well-laid-out MORE Agenda”.
