Do not abuse God’s grace, Peter Obi Urges Abia Governor, Otti *We have come to work for Abia people… Says Otti
By Charity Uwakwe, Abia
The presidential candidate of Labour Party, in the just concluded 2023 general elections, Dr. Peter Obi has appealed to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti not to relegate the poor in the state rather make them his priority thus restoring their long lost hope and joy.
Obi reminded the renowned First Class Economist that his emergence was propelled by the grace of God, as he urged him not to make ridicule of same.
The former Governor of Anambra State made this passionate appeal today, Sunday, during the thanksgiving service of the newly elected Governor, at event centre, Umuahia, the state’s capital, as he expressed gratitude to God for LP victory in the gubernatorial election.
Speaking, he said: “Mine are just three items and number one is that;
I give gratitude to God the Almighty that made it possible for us to be here today to celebrate with our Governor”, he explained”, as he belongs the piteous condition of inhabitants of the State, as instigated by leaders “who do not have consciences”.
He implored Otti to, as much as he possibly could, work assiduously towards making better the lots of the people who had cast their votes in his favour, and charged him to disabuse his attention from political profiteers in the State whom he regretted had held the people captive over the years.
“The second one is an appeal to my brother, the Governor. They all voted for you. Always remember that it was only possible by His grace. Do not abuse the grace of God. Let all your actions, all you are planning, all you’re budgeting, everything you do be in the interest of the people
They have suffered enough. Do not look at people like me, do not look at people who have stolen Nigeria’s wealth, do not look at people who have taken everything from this country, rather look at the poor people of this country, they have suffered enough.
“Let the poor people here be happy and let the rich be annoyed. Let the pensioners, the retirees feel that they once worked for Abia State; let the civil servants feel that they’re working for Abia State. Look at them, that’s the grace God gave you. Do not abuse that grace.
“I look forward for a four years when you are looking for a reelection and you will come here for another thanksgiving as happy as we are today because the poor people are happy. That’s how we’ll be dancing; and all Nigerians.
Moreso, he enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for a better Nigeria, even as he wailed that the country’s leadership was still in the hands of the people who, according to him, are without a conscience.
“Finally, I want you to pray for Nigeria. I can tell you, remember Nigeria everyday in your prayers; remember us the politicians. Look at me, look at all of us. Pray for us; your country is in the hands of criminals; people who don’t have conscience; do remember all of us in you prayers” Obi pleaded.
Responding, Otti assured his commitment in ensuring his administration stand as “Second to none’, among past administrations, stating emphatically that his government is geared towards rescuing the poor from their pathetic state.
He recounted that he, in conjunction with his team and all Abians of good conscience, had observed a 7-day prayer and fasting session for the emancipation of the State from bondage, as well as a rededication service held in Aba, the state’s commercial bane prior to the inauguration of his government.
“And exactly six days later, we’ve come to say father, thank you for what you have done. We give you all the praise, honour and adoration.
“Your Excellency, we have listened to your word of advice and I can assure you that you will not be disappointed.
Continuing, he said: “We have come here to work for Abia people and Abia people we will work for. We have not come to work for big men but the peasants, the farmers, the poor all over the place, we have promised to lift them from poverty and that we will do.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of the State used the medium to express profound gratitude to governorship candidates of some opposition parties in the state for their relentless support, while also calling on those who had filed petitions in the Elections Petitions Tribunal against him to withdraw such petitions and sheath their swords.
“I make this plea because it is very clear that the Labour Party won the election they’re contesting in the tribunal “, he added.
In his sermon, the Founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze stressed the need for people to always return thanks to God, pointing out that some people get familiar with God that they forget to give thanks to Him as required.
He prayed for God’s holiness manifest in every sector of Abia’s economy.
The cleric was of the view that because of the special thanksgiving organized by Dr. Alex Otti’s administration, Abia’s case would henceforth be different as the Lord, he opined, would make every area of the state straight and significant.
The special thanksgiving service which featured special prayers for Governor Alex Otti, his Deputy, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu and Abia State in general attracted the presence of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Secretary to the Abia State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Abia State Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Ceekay Igara.
Also, the event had in attendance the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Abia State, Most Rev. Dr Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, Revd. Dr. Blessed Amalambu and other anointed Ministers.
Others were the outgoing Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji, Member-elect of Ikwuano State House, Engr. Boniface Isienyi, Comrd. Osinachi Waka, the President of New Era Foundation, stakeholders of the ruling party, as well as opposition parties.
Highlights of the event which attracted a mammoth crowd were praise and worship sessions which were held intermittently by different choral groups.
