Francis Sadhere
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterdayattributed the cause of xenophobic attack in South Africa and other parts ofthe world to bitter hatred for one another, appealing for caution when peopleare expressing their hatred for one another.
The Governor said this at The Christ African Church, Warri,Delta State, during the funeral service of the Late Hon. Justice (Chief)Silvanus Ayere Ajuyah (OFR).
The Governor lamented that hatred for one ethnic group or theother has caused unnecessary lost of lives in the world, adding that untilpeople learn to live with one another in peace and harmony, the world willnever be a peaceful place to live in.
Governor Uduaghan said: “Papa is a peacemaker and a verypeaceful man. I am emphasizing this because today, this state, this country isfilled with hatred. We hate each other and say things about each other that areinciting. Today we are talking of xenophobia in South Africa; xenophobia is anact of incitement and hatred. I want to appeal to all of us to emulate Papa inexpressing our hatred for each other, hatred for one ethnic group or the other.Because if we do and we continue, what is happening in South Africa can alsohappen here. The biggest tribute we can give Papa is to keep our societypeaceful, is to keep our state peaceful and to keep our country peaceful.”
The Governor, who described the late chief Justice as apeaceful man, said the late Ajuyah liveda fulfilled and well deserved life, adding that the exemplary life of thechildren shows that he has trained his children well.
According to Governor Uduaghan, the late Chief Justice was asuccessful lawyer who was well respected among Itsekiri ethnic nationality,stressing that he contributed greatly to peace that people were enjoying in theOil rich city of Warri today.
The officiating minister, His Eminence, The Most Rev.Emmanuel J. Udofia, the Primate of The Christ African Church in his sermonurged all Christians to live their lives in a way that pleases God, noting thatit was only the upright ones who will inherit the kingdom of God in the lastday.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the eldest son of LateAjuya, Engr. Junior Ajuyah thanked all those that came to the funeral service,saying that the family will never forget them for honoring their late father
