Bishop Odutemu Urges Ibori to be closer to God,

By Godwin Utuedoye

Anglican Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cyril Odiboroghene Odutemu has told the former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori to always give thanks to God as he is alive for a mission.

Bishop Odutemu gave this charge on Saturday, March 10, at Ovwor-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area during the grand reception party organized in honour of Chief James Ibori by the John Oguma Foundation.

The event which attracted across section of ministers of God such as Archbishop God-Dowell Avwomakpa, Bishop Cyril Odutemu, Reverend Father Dr. Ambrose Abaka and others also witnessed an overwhelming crowed of supporters from across the entire Urhobo nation and the State on hand to receive the former governor and his entourage.

Bishop Odutemu who took his reflection from the gospel of Matthew 7:24, urged the former governor to draw nearer to God as not everyone that went through the kind of travail he underwent are alive to tell their story.

The Anglican Bishop while referring to the adulterous woman in John 8:9-11, asked a rhetoric question if any one any in the arena has not sinned. He noted that everyone has sin, and told the government that everyone will not praise them but they should do the needful.

He described Chief Ibori as a great bridge builder but charged him not to allow his ordeal make to him retreat from doing good. He added that not everyone gathered to welcome him are true friends to him but asked that government should accept criticisms but not to make critics enemies. He called on politicians not to be deceived by the crowed as out of the crowed their betrayals will emerged.

The charismatic Bishop however urged Chief Ibori to be closer to God and fervent in prayer. He said as a leader he need to be up and doing especially now that God has brought him back home safely.

… You are the political Jesus of our time, pay Primary School Teachers and Council workers, they are fainting

In a speech directed to Governor Okowa who was also present at the thanksgiving, Bishop Odutemu charged him to pay Primary School teachers and council workers even when the governor has said that this is not his responsibility . In his words, “primary school teachers and council workers are fainting, even if it is not your responsibility, you need their voted”. He stated that Jesus as a leader was able to provide food for the people when they where hungry in the wilderness. He described the governor as the political Jesus of our time and as a result, he should provide food for the primary school teachers and council workers whom he stated are fainting.

He charged the youths to be focus and hardworking instead of being used as thugs. He urged them to utilized their God given talents to harnessed the resources in the land. While calling on Deltans to honest in all their dealings, he warned sycophants to desist from misleading those in power for selfish gains while the masses suffered.

Bishop Odutemu while commending the governor on his stand against the obnoxious and oppressive grazing bilk, he appealed royal father’s not to give or lease land’s in their kingdom to Fulani herdsmen as their cows destroy’s crops, farm produces and as well take the live’s of the people. He saod; “Oil exploration has destroyed all our lands in the Niger-Delta, and now their no land to farm, nor give for grazings.

Ibori, the champion of 30% derivation-Prof. Onokerhoraye

In his opening speech, the chairman of the occassion, Prof. Andrew Onokerhoraye, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin said Chief Ibori as governor did very well and that one of the most remarkable achievement was championing the 30% derivation/ resource control as well bringing DESOPADEC among other notable achievements. He appreciated the Urhobo nation especially Chief John Oguma for putting up such event.

Speaking in the same vein, the immediate past governor of the state and elder brother to Chief Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan who spoke with emotions thanked God for the life of his brother and described him as a man with a large heart of forgiveness. He disclosed that Chief Ibori has forgiven all those who contributed to his travail in London and thanked the Anglican Bishop for his frank and sincere sermon, noting that as politicians, they need to be told the truth always.

I am overwhelmed by this honour-Ibori

In his short but concise speech, Chief Ibori appreciated all present especially the Urhobo nation and Chief John Oguma foundation for the honour done him. He expressed his profound gratitude to God for all His deeds in his life. He however maintained that the ordeal he went through wapproved by God stating that he hold no grudge against anyone.

I am the most fortunate governor in Nigeria-Okowa

Governor Okowa while addressing the crowed said that among all the governors in Nigeria, he considered himself most fortunate and lucky as he had the backing of two former governors of the state. The Governor thanked Chief Ibori whom he said is the only political leader in Delta State. Recounting how they started, Governor Okowa asserted that Chief James Onanefe Ibori laid the foundation for all politicians in Delta State. He thanked God for his life and charged all Deltans to support the PDP come 2019.

2023 will be the Urhobo turn-Oguma

On his part, the chief host of the event, Chief John Oguma said the essence of the reception was to thank God and to appreciate a man who has done so much for his people. Chief Oguma who lamented the absence of any Urhobo man at the federal level said, it was only the time of Chief Ibori as a governor that the Urhobo nation has three principal officers at the federal level which includes a minister. He thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for all he has done for Deltans and assured him of the Urhobo nation total support come 2019. He said not until 2023, no Urhobo man will disturb the governor, saying that it is 2023 that Urhobo man will emerged as governor.

Present at the ceremony include the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Senator Peter Nwaboshe, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief Solomon Awhinawhim, Chief Eric Oharisi and other top politicians from across the state and nation.