Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta says a free, fair and credible 2019 general election would boost respect for Nigeria and attract foreign direct investment to the country.

The governor stated this on Tuesday when the recently inaugurated executive committee of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Apostle Sylvanus Okorote visited him in Asaba.

He called on the church to pray for the country and the state, adding that the church should make its position known to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

“You know, if we have credible elections, the comity of nations will have respect for us in the country and there will be direct foreign investment and the resource base of the country will develop.

“We need to do a lot more to ensure that our elections are free, fair and credible, I hope that INEC and security agencies will play their part,’’ he said.

Okowa, however, said that his administration was committed to constructing the Warri/Sapele road, especially the Enerhen Junction, trans Warri/Ode-Itsekiri road and the Ughelli/Asaba road.

He said that the continuous partnership between the church and government could only lead to positive results.

“The partnership between the church, traditional institutions and government must be strengthened for the state to develop and grow and the church should pray for our country Nigeria and the state,” he said.

He thanked members of CAN for their prayers and assured that security is being beefed up across the state while the Asaba Airport will soon be upgraded to international standard ahead of the Yuletide season.

Earlier, Okorote thanked the governor for the developmental stride in all parts of the state.

He said that the visit was to introduce the executives of CAN, Delta Chapter to him.

“We appreciate you for the development projects going on in different parts of the state.

“We appreciate the security apparatus you have put in place to reduce kidnapping and crime in the state, your peaceful disposition has also quelled communal violence in the state,” Okorete said.