By Eunice Nnachi, Yenegoa
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has again expressed gratitude to God for granting him victory in all his political battles including the 11th November 2023 Governorship Election in which he featured as running mate to Governor Douye Diri.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also thanked his native Ofoni people for giving him the desired support, noting that they had always leveraged on their relatively high population and impressive level of political participation to swing the votes in favour of the People’s Democratic Party right from its inception.
He made the remarks while addressing a mammoth crowd that thronged the Ultra-modern Pavilion at Ofoni in Sagbama Local Government Area for this year’s edition of the Ofoni Annual Christian Thanksgiving Service on Thursday.
The Deputy Governor, who was elated by the massive turnout of the people, pointed out that the impressive attendance has justified the fact that the over ten thousand votes credited to the community in favour of the PDP was not a fluke but real.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged God’s mercies, grace and benevolence upon his life and family, which he noted, had led him thus far.
His words, “I am what I am today because of God’s grace upon my life. He has always seen me through all of my political battles. I cannot thank Him enough. His name alone can be praised.
“On this day of thanksgiving, I like to thank all of you my fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters for always standing by me. You showed your massive support again in the last governorship election.
“You saw the election as your own because your son was involved. If there is anyone who still doubts the votes that came from our community, the person needs to come and see the crowd here. This is not a rented crowd.
In their separate messages, Dr Gospel Agochukwu and Evangelist Ebenezar Onowhowhoakpo, emphasized the importance of thanksgiving in the life of an individual, family and community.
Making reference to Noah, David, Paul and Silas in the Bible, they enjoined the people to make thanksgiving a lifestyle despite the circumstances facing them, stressing that a sincere thanksgiving has the capacity to provoke divine blessings
The Preachers commended Senator Ewhrudjakpo and the people of Ofoni Federated Communities for sustaining the annual event over the years, prophesying that this year’s edition would open a new vista of opportunities for the community.
Speaking earlier, the initiator of Ofoni Annual Thanksgiving Programme, Rev.(Prof.) Ebitimi Weigha, said God has demonstrated His faithfulness in several ways by fulfilling the promises He made to the Ofoni people through him (Weigha) some years ago.
Rev. Weigha, who used the opportunity to dedicate the 10,000 seat pavilion and other projects in the community to God, urged the people to continue to embrace the programme to attract more blessings upon the land.
Other clergymen, who ministered at the event included, the Senior Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Igbogene, Prophet Patrick Abrah, Venerable Abraham Agberhe and Revd Canon Jacob Osusu of the Anglican Communion.
