Okowa Calls for Unity Among Nigerians As Assembly Holds Thanksgiving Service in Asaba

BY PATRICK OGBOGU

It was a gathering of who is who on Sunday June II, 2017 in Asaba as the Delta State House of Assembly marked the end of their second year anniversary of the 6th Assembly, amidst thanksgiving and praise worship.

The Delta State Governor, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the State Deputy Governor, Barr Kingsley Otuaro; the SSG Hon Ovie Agas and wife; Chief Justice of the State, Justice Marshal Umukoro and the Appeal Court President, Justice Oghene; the Head of Service, Mr Reginal Bayoko, State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, Barr Kingsley Esiso, Delta North PDP Chairman, Hon Moses Iduh; elected and appointed political office holders; Oshimili South PDP Chairman, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji aka Blackman; Local Govt Council Chairmen; traditional rulers and lovers of democracy were among the guests at the thanksgiving service which took place at the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Ibusa Road,Asaba.

Governor Okowa at the occasion, which he attended with his Deputy, Barr Kingsley Otuaro; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Friday Osanebi and other members of the Assembly, advised Nigerians to promote peaceful co-existence among the diverse ethnic groups and shun acts capable of truncating the current democratic order.

" it is time for us to think and reflect on the past and build a greater, more united country. We don't need another war."

Okowa said Nigerians should remember the past and forge a common front for the growth and development of Nigeria giving the fact that the country was passing through perilous times.

He called on Christians to pray for the nation in general and the state in particular to enable the country overcome her challenges,noting that "if the government of Delta State had not depended on God, it would not have been easy."

The governor frowned at the high rate of cultism and other social vices among youths and stressed the need of parents and guardians to dedicate their time and resources in ensuring proper upbringing of their children to ensure a better society.

"it is time to reexamine ourselves, examine our homes and to think of our existence; we need to reflect on things we do as parents and what we are inculcating into our children because, as parents, we must build in our children the knowledge of God for us to have a better society." Okowa said

He congratulated members of the Delta State House of Assembly, observing that the state legislators have contributed immensely to the development of the state.

While attributing the cordial relationship existing between the state legislature and the executive to the mercy of God, he regretted over the death of late Hon Omawumi Udoh who died while serving her people in the House and prayed God to grant her gentle soul eternal rest.

In his remark, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who read the first lesson Psalm 100 verses 1-5 expressed gratitude to God for the success of the second legislative year.

He stated that the state legislature passed 18 bills out of the 34 bills it received in the second legislative year, stressing that 17 bills were at different committee levels, assuring that the state legislature will improve on its performance in the next legislative year.

In his sermon, the residence Pastor of the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Ibusa Road, Asaba Pastor Julius Oyinloye, pointed out that thanksgiving was one of the major keys to the kingdom and commended the lawmakers for recognizing God’s mercy and grace upon their lives.

Pastor Oyinloye while citing 1 Thessalonian 5 vs 16-18; Ephesian 5 vs 17- 20; Psalm 103 vs 1- 5, said everyone on earth including the state legislature should always give thanks to God because of the gift of life and many other benefits.

Pastor Oyinloye later anointed the Speaker and other members of the Assembly, while praying for them to succeed in their remaining tenure.

The Speaker, Oborevwori accompanied by other lawmakers; Gov Okowa and his Deputy, Barr Otuaro and other top government functionaries later offered thanksgiving and cut the second anniversary cake to the admiration of the Church congregation.

In an interview, some federal and state lawmakers and political leaders including Hon Idisi; Rt Hon Peter Onwusanya; Hon Angela Nwaka and Hon Emeka Nwaobi, Sapele Council Chairman, Hon Ejaife Odebala as well as the Oshimili South PDP Chairman, Ogbueshi Dada Okonji aka Blackman, the Obi of Owa, Dr Efeizomor and a representative of the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Geoffrey Konwea commended the state legislature for their great performance in the past legislative year and equally lauded Gov Okowa for his administration’s achievements within a short period in office.

The Speaker and other members later treated the public to mouth watery dishes at a reception held at the Speaker’s Lodge, Legislative Quarters, Asaba.