Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State says he will do only what is right and correct before God, requesting that the church should continue to pray for his administration.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at the Benin Diocese, Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, St Peter’s Church, Benin City, Sunday, Governor Obaseki said, “For us, this is very significant because exactly a year ago, the second Sunday in November last year, I came to this church to seek prayers as I decided to go into the gubernatorial race of my party. About nine months later, when I got the ticket as the candidate of the APC, I came back here again. And about a month ago, when I got my victory, I came back here again. The reason I am going through all this is because this is the church I was born into. I am fortunate that my great grandparents were one of the first Christians in Benin City and they were Anglicans. So, we grew up knowing nothing else.”
The Governor said, “So, I am so grateful today that I am governor, but this wouldn’t have been possible but to the glory of God. It was not my effort; I was the last candidate to get into the race. You the people of Edo decided to vote me into government. They say, to whom much is given, much is expected. I know quite a lot is expected of me.
I am very confident of the fact that the church is the very accurate barometer of our social situation. So, it will be a tragedy if I ignore the church in my administration.”
He declared, “I want to thank all of you and I want to assure you that I will do only that which I believe is right and correct before God. I also want to ask you to continue to pray for us. The challenges are enormous. Our responsibility is clear that we have to help to reset the compass. We also want you to pray for our predecessor, Comrade Oshiomhole, because he did all that was required for us to take Edo to a higher level .So, as you pray for me, please also pray for him.”
High point was the presentation of thanksgiving by Governor Godwin Obaseki and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu accompanied by their spouses, friends and well wishers.
A grand reception was later held for guests at the Government House, Benin City.
In a homily entitled, “Governing with the fear of God”, the officiating minister and Anglican Bishop of Benin, Bishop Peter Imasuen congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Hon Philip Shaibu on their inauguration and urged Obaseki to be cautious of the counsel of his advisers, insisting that most advisers don’t tell their principal the truth, as most of them say only what the Governor wants to hear that would also be of benefit to them instead of what would be of benefit to the general public.
Bishop Imasuen charged Governor Obaseki to hold on to God at all times and depend on his unfailing power, assuring that Anglican members would stand solidly behind him and offer prayers for him, saying it is their duty to support him with prayers. He said Obaseki’s regime cannot fail but advised him to devise a means through which he could reach the people and also for the people to reach him.
The clergy called on the Governor to give attention to the development of human capital in the state as a means of curbing crime, emphasizing that people who are not engaged in productive ventures will have the natural tendency to indulge in criminal activities.
