Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Sunday in Warri berated those he described as ethnic jingoists for allegedly hindering the development of the state since its creation.

Uduaghan spoke at the annual thanksgiving service organised by a former national vice-chairman of the Pentecostal Federation of Nigeria, Bishop Simeon Okah.

In remark titled, “Together we can make it,” Uduaghan noted with concern that “deep-seated hate for one another has brought untold sufferings to Deltans.”

He insisted that “it is in genuinely embracing one another as inhabitants of same geographical location that we can truly know progress and peace”.

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The former governor specifically tasked ethnic groups to embrace the diversity that makes Delta State unique.

He said, “Togetherness is one of the biggest issues in Delta state till today. I had hinderances as governor. There were some fine programmes my administration proposed but were vehemently resisted by ethnic jingoists.

“They do not think of the larger picture or benefit of anything. They view everything from their suspicious ethnic lenses.”