From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Government, on Monday night, held its annual Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons without the usual glamour.
The activities were downplayed due to the sober mood in the state, following the passing of the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on December 11.
Speaking at the event at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, Governor Douye Diri said he alongside his religious team contemplated shelving the programme but later okayed it as a way to honour God and the memory of his late deputy.
He said: “I appreciate my religious team and fathers in the faith for putting this together, even at these trying times in our state. We initially thought if it was still necessary to have this event this year.
“Having reasoned together, we decided to go ahead as the Bible says that in all things, we should give thanks to God.”
Governor Diri explained that, however, the usual tradition of making the carol event colourful with the special rendition competition among the three arms of government and the civil service was stood down.
“Yes, our hearts are heavy because we lost our deputy governor, who would have been here to read one of the lessons. However, the truth is that each and every one of us will answer this call.
“So, while we sorrow, we are also comforted by Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me to bind the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to comfort all that do mourn.”
The Bayelsa helmsman, who read the Ninth Lesson from Matthew 2:1-6, appreciated Bayelsans for their support and solidarity since the unfortunate demise of the deputy governor.
Earlier in a sermon, the South South Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Emmah Isong, said the disobedience of man in the Garden of Eden brought the search for man’s salvation.
The respected cleric further stated that the atonement of the sins of man could not be achieved until God gave His son, who came in the fashion of God and man, to complete the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind.
He said this was the reason for commemorating the birth of Jesus during this season.
Isong urged Christians not to allow obstacles define their situation as God is able to turn around any stumbling block.
Highpoint of the event were the rendition of classical songs and special numbers by the Garden City Choir, King of Glory Chapel Choir, the Heavenly Voices, Evangelist Joy and the Bayelsa State 500 Mass Choir.
Dignitaries present included the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), his Bayelsa East counterpart, Benson Agadaga as well as House of Representatives members from the state – Dr. Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency), Dr. Mitema Obodor (Ogbia), Oforji Oboku, (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass) and Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw).
Others were the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Michael Ogbere, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Head of Service, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe, as well as Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and other government functionaries.
