From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
The General Overseer of the Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, have commended the Governor Douye Diri-led administration for its transformational leadership that is promoting both spiritual and physical upliftment of Bayelsa State.
The two prominent Christian clerics, who gave the commendation during separate courtesy calls to Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday, said they were pleased to see the tremendous development strides that have taken place in Bayelsa in the last few years.
In his remarks, Pastor Oritsejafor expressed gratitude to some past and present leaders of the state for publicly declaring and promoting Bayelsa as a Christian state.
He specifically praised Governor Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for not being ashamed of the Christian faith and prayed God to continually bless the people and government of Bayelsa State.
According to Oritsejafor, “We are Christians and we should be proud of it. We shouldn’t run away from it. I’m glad that Bayelsa is still that Christian state we see. That is why I celebrate Bayelsa State and its leadership.
“I believe that God will never forsake this state.The fact that this state stands out and publicly proclaims herself as a Christian state, heaven will back this state and do what man cannot do. I’m believing that things will get better everyday in Bayelsa State.”
On his part, Bishop Matthew Kukah noted that Bayelsa had undergone a lot of transformation under the current administration in terms of development and urged it to continue its good works.
Kukah, who was in Bayelsa to deliver a memorial lecture in honour of one of
the founding fathers of the state, Late Dr Abraham Ambaiowei’, called on Nigerians not to give up but work towards the greatness of their country.
He said, “This is a great country. It is a heck of a country. People keep asking me where I find the inspiration to speak so positively about Nigeria. And I feel sorry that we don’t seem to appreciate what God has done for us.
“Anytime you turn on your bed and look at Gaza and Sudan, and what they have become, it is great lesson for us.
“For Bayelsa, I am affiliated to the aspirations and all the great work that is being done here. I was here (maybe) 3 or 4 years ago. I’m amazed by the transformation that has taken place.
“So I want to commend and congratulate and assure you that in our prayers and supplications, Bayelsa State will remain and occupy an important part of our intercession. I will continue to ask God to bless you and keep you all very much in peace.”
In a response, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, thanked the two fathers of faith for being true to their calling over the years, and for finding time out of their crowded schedules to visit and bless the state..
Governor Diri, who spoke through his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, particularly eulogized Bishop Kukah as a moral beacon and courageous cleric who does not only speak truth to power but also inspires Nigerians and peoples all over the world.
While calling on both clerics to continually pray for the people government and leadership of Bayelsa, Governor Diri stressed the need for Christians not to pursue material wealth at the detriment of the salvation of their souls
His words: “Men of God in Nigeria need to redirect our hearts through their sermons because the impression from their messages nowadays is mainly to get everything here on earth at the expense of making heaven.
“I wonder sometimes, those of us who go to the Church, don’t behave like Christians right from the church gate. Our religion must go beyond the profession that comes from our mouth.
“Once again, I want to thank you for coming today to bless our land. We believe that your presence in our state always makes a difference. For us, any time a man of God comes to our state, it is for the glorification of our state.”
