Senator James Manager and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan

Less than twenty-four hours to the senatorial primaries of the Peoples’ Democratic party (PDP), Governor Emmanuel  Uduaghan of Delta  has thrown in the towel.

Uduaghan who addressed the press in Asaba friday, shortly after returning from Abuja for consultation with President Goodluck Jonathan, said he offered to step down from the senatorial race to ensure that the political tension in Niger-Delta did not escalate.
According to him, having analysed the political and security situation in the region, he had no other option than to make sacrifices in the interest of peace and security.

He further emphasised: “Nobody forced me to step down. If they did, I would not have been here with you. In doing that, I am aware that a lot of my followers would be affected, but I have done this for the sake of the state.
“Now that I am out of the race, it gives me better leverage to manage my transition and get involved in national issues. Mr. President wants some of us to work with him in 2015.”

He  pointed out that there was ethnic tension in the region and it had been noticed at the national level  of which  President Jonathan had expressed concern,  hence the need to ensure for peace and security in the state