by Abel JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, immediate past Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) Chief Patrick Ukah and other top political stalwarts on Sunday, 25th June, 2023, gathered at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, to join Hon. Chukwudi Dafe Thanksgiving Service to celebrate his inauguration as Member, representing Ukwuani State Constituency in the State House of Assembly (DTHA)
While disclosing that he was Knighted several years ago at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Obiaruku, the State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Governorship and State Assembly Elections in the State in the 2023 general elections has placed a burden of performance on the Party.
Sir Onyeme said the PDP in the State has no excuse for non-performance now that Deltans have demonstrated their confidence in the party by overwhelmingly voting for the party in the March 18 Governorship and State Assembly Elections.
He emphasized that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori/Monday Onyeme’s mandate and the State lawmakers are accountable to Deltans for all the successes and the inadequacies of the next four years, saying “We have a burden to perform because we are the one in charge.”
“We have majority of the seats in the State House of Assembly. So, for that we also have to be humble in success and ensure that we deliver the goods to Deltans. Our prayer is that those who have been given the mandate of the people will not disappoint but will be accountable to the people and serve the people with all their heart and commitment”, he added.
Pouring encomium on the immediate past Governor of Delta State for the good things he good things he did, Hon. Chukwudi Dafe revealed that be became Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa adopted son when his (Chukwudi Dafe) father died many years ago.
He thanked the Church for the prayers offered him and the State Deputy Governor during their campaign period and urged them to continue to pray for the Government.
In his sermon titled Transformational Leadership and Goals, the Chief Host of the Officiating Ministers, Rt. Rec’d Godfrey Ekpenisi noted that Thanksgiving gives one the opportunity to dance before God and to appreciate Him. Adding that the Lord commands Thanksgiving and it’s good if it’s freewill.
He urged politicians to possessed the ability to give that giving attract love, saying “you can never be rich until you learn to give to those in need”.
Ekpenisi encouraged politicians not to disregard the people but maintain loyalty and a good relationship with those who in anyway helped them to political positions. That they should not undermine or abandoned those who held the ladder for them to climb.
While asserting that serving others leads one to lead others that service is the pathway to greatness, Rev’d Ekpenisi said “Don’t be creating or gathering crowd but be creating leaders because followers and crowd will leave you but the leaders you created will remain.”
He charged politicians not to relent in continuous prayers. That prayer is the key to life.
According to the Officiating Minister, “Prayer is the key to life. There are battles to fight everywhere. Do not be spiritual orphan. Be going to Church.”
Top political dignitaries at the Thanksgiving Service includes the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwowo, Members representing Okpe, Aniocha North and Ika North East Local Government Areas in the State House of Assembly, Engrs. James Augoye and Emeka Nwaobi and Marilyn Okowa.
Others were Rt. Hon. Ochor C. Ochor, the immediate past Commissioner For Information in the State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Hillary Ibegbulem amongst others.