By Austin Ogwuda
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has revealed that some people who are desirous of securing political appointments in his administration may have taken his name to many altars for prayers but was praying to God too for divine direction in the distribution of appointments.
The governor also disclosed that his becoming a governor had earlier been predicted over ten years ago.
He stated this at the thanksgiving service in honour of his Senior Political Adviser, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo at All Saints’ Cathedral, Ughelli on Sunday.
The Governor frowned at the protest by Ewu Community over appointments to the kingdom, noting that appointments were at the discretion of the governor and appealed to Deltans to join hands with his administration in order to consolidate on the tempo of sustainable development in the State.
Said he, “Ughelli South has gotten Senior Political Adviser, Executive Director DESOPADEC and Commissioner. After giving you a project of over N20bn, you are still coming to protest?
“As Governor, my local government has gotten just one appointment which is the Commissioner designate because I have promised Deltans I want to be Governor for all,” he stated.
Continuing, he said, “Senator Aguariavwodo is someone I knew many years ago, and sometimes there are things you say and it will come to pass.
“When I was burying my mother at Osubi Trade Fair complex some years ago, he came and saw the crowd and he said with this crowd you are qualified to contest for Governor.
“He said it over ten years ago in 2013 and that prophesy has come to pass. So when he decided to support me, it is because God wants to fulfil what he has said.
“Not many politicians”, he went on, ” have the privilege of serving in the Red Chamber and also in the Green Chamber and decided to come down to his State to serve.
“Senator Aguariavwodo belongs to that rare elite group. I congratulate you on this appointment because you are a very humble and respected man and it is my prayer that God will grant you the wisdom to succeed in your new role”.
Earlier in his sermon, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu in his sermon titled “Be strong in the Lord”, said Christians were confronted with several spiritual warfare and charged leaders to be strong “as leadership is a constant struggle to get things right in the interest of the people”.
The Cleric said leaders must demonstrate strength and uncommon courage in the face of daunting challenges.
“Whatever you do in offering advice to the Governor, you should be adequately guided by truth; don’t allow your garment of righteousness to be stained”, and urged the Governor to keep to his promises and to always stick to the truth.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; his Deputy, Rt Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso among others.
