- As Onyemaechi Holds Thanksgiving Over Release From Kidnappers’ Den
BY SAM DUVWODE
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Sunday, called on the Federal Government to tackle insecurity in the country.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, made the call while speaking at a special thanksgiving by Hon. Joan Onyemaechi (Ada Anioma), at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Asaba, the Delta State Capital over her release by dare-devil kidnappers.
According to the governor, Delta is relatively peaceful, but the federal government, as the controller of the security apparatus in the country, should do more to ensure security of lives and property.
“The level of insecurity in different parts of the country call for serious concern and we urge the Federal Government which has the security apparatus to arrest the situation to do so. We thank our security men for the sacrifices they are making day and night for our country to be more peaceful.” Governor Oborevwori stated.
The governor also commended Hon. Onyemaechi for appreciating God through thanksgiving.
He noted that: “Psalm 107 verses 1 and 2 says, “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.’
“And in the book of First Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 18 says, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.’
“Delta is a praying state; this is the reason that we are witnessing the goodness of the Lord among us as a people and as a state.”
“Our dear state, Delta, is enjoying relative peace; this is the reason we are seeing a lot of investors and holiday makers coming into our state.”
“We will continue to rely on God for our state to be more peaceful and for us not to experience any more ugly incidents bearing in mind, the words of God in the book of Psalm 127 verse 1 that, ‘Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.’
“Once again, our Ada Anioma, congratulations and we join you in saying, thank God for His blessings. Our dear people of God, thank you for appreciating God’s goodness, remain prayerful and believe because, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ Romans 10 verse 11.” Gov. Oborevwori noted.
Hon. Onyemaechi, in an emotion-laden voice that elicited tears from most of the worshippers, narrated how God was with her before she was kidnapped and how God stayed with her till she was released.
“Please, take each day of your life as if it could be the last day; I am one of those who say, ‘God forbid’ when I hear, ‘take each day as if it could be the last,’ but that is the reality, we should take each day as if it could be the last.
“You have come to rejoice with me, but take each day as if it could be the last; when I was in the boat going to where I did not know, He said, ‘I am with you.’
“I went through that journey for 10 days, as I embarked on that journey I prayed to God.
“I am here with you because God said, ‘I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy,’ and I came to thank God that it pleased Him to show me mercy.
“We should begin to caution ourselves, don’t say what you do not know, fear God with our mouth, the people who came for me did not know me, I didn’t know them, who went to tell them about me?
“Today, Isaac, my driver is gone, they gunned down the Inspector of Police, a man with two wives who came from Sokoto to do his job, we should be careful with what we say, our assumptions, and God bless you all. Indeed, God answered His name”, she narrated.
In a sermon, the Senior Regional Overseer of MFM, Pastor Emeka Ikpeama, attributed the success stories of people to God.
He said: “We are here to say, ‘God, thank you for saving the life of our beloved sister and mummy.’ “You are where you are today because of the mercy of God, not because you are powerful, so, give thanks to God always.
“How many times have you said, ‘God, I am grateful?’ We should learn to give thanks to God for His mercy upon us, His blessings upon us.”
The immediate past Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Edith, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emumotimi Guwor, member representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, his counterpart in Aniocha/Oshimli, Hon. Ngozi Okolie was at the thanksgiving.
Also, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, that of Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief Festus Ochonogor, among other personalities attended the thanksgiving.
