Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has appealed for prayers from the Christian community and leaders for the unity and development of the state.
The former governor made the call when he received the state executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at his residence in Asaba.
He said that Delta State has remained a praying state and that God has continued to be with the state and its leaders.
The former governor congratulated the new executive committee of CAN in the state and expressed gratitude to the body for its support throughout his eight years in office.
Okowa urged the group to continue supporting the new administration in the state, saying that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori needs the spiritual support of all Christians and citizens of the state.
“I went through a lot as governor. Within three months of my coming into office, the governor’s lodge caught fire while we were sleeping, but God saved us, and we were able to run out of the house before the fire service came,” he recalled.
Okowa recalled that from May, 2015 to October, 2017, the Forcados pipeline in this state was damaged, preventing oil exports from the terminal and the financial squeeze it caused the country, made it difficult for to pay salaries during the period.
“We thank God that the workers saw the figures themselves and accepted half of their salaries until we started paying back the backlog after October, 2017.
“The church was very supportive in prayers, including our traditional rulers, communities and even our youths, and I remember that we had to invite the then Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, to come and talk to our people.
“Thereafter, they allowed the oil companies to repair the trans-Forcados oil pipeline that was breached for over two years.
“That repair was completed in September, 2017 and thereafter, we started exporting oil again from the terminal and we later climbed to the number one oil producing state a year later.
“So, when people begin to talk about misappropriation of funds, I wonder if they have forgotten all these so soon.
“I may not be a saint and I cannot say that as a politician I may not have done one wrong or the other, but the most important thing is that I was truly interested in the development of the state to the best of my ability and I thank God for the support I got from all stakeholders in the state.
Read also: RIVCHPP woos LGs, seeks more synergy, robust support for quality health insurance
“We thank God for the current governor because he is completing ongoing projects and as I said, let the EFCC continue with their investigation. I am not afraid of investigation and am sure by the grace of God, the results will speak for itself,” he said.
Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Lucky Osagbakhoe, said the body came to introduce the new CAN executive to the former governor, as one of its critical stakeholders and to thank him for his support to the Christian body throughout his tenure in office.
“We bring you greetings from CAN Delta State. This visit is to formerly introduce to you members of the new executive of the Christian Association of Nigeria as we have cause to relate with you from time to time as a major stakeholder.
“We are also here to thank you very sincerely, for your unrelenting enthusiasm, guidance and support to the leadership of CAN in Delta State over the years and for all that you did for the good people of Delta State,” Rev. Osagbakhoe said.
