Top chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday joined Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State in a special thanksgiving to usher in his second term.
Among the PDP chieftains in attendance at the Thanksgiving mass held at the St Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City were former Governor of the State and aspirant in the last election, Prof Osariemen Osunbor and another aspirant in the July 14 election and former NDDC Commissioner representing Edo State, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen and the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze assured the Governor and his deputy, Dr Pius Odubu of the continued support of the Christian community, saying his victory at the July 14 governorship election is a vote of confidence on him by the people of Edo State.
In his homily at the Special Thanksgiving Mass, the Archbishop said Oshiomhole’s re-election is a unanimous decision of the people for good governance.
“Edo people have reposed so much confidence in you and they have demonstrated this through their votes that you will bring respite to them. However, let me remind you that to whom much is given, much is expected. Do not give the people any reason to wish otherwise,” the cleric noted.
“We promise to continue to support you always with the generosity of our prayers,” he added.
In his remarks, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole thanked the Christian community for their support, noting that, “as you have prayed for us I want you to continue to pray for us that God would help us to govern Edo state. Unless the Lord governs Edo state, Pius and I would govern in vain.
“We ask God to give us the clean heart to do good even to those who were opposed to us. To give us the spirit of forgiveness and to remind us that as governor, we are governor of all”, Comrade Oshiomhole said.
According to him, “the resources that we control are meant for the good of the people, that God would give us wisdom to do that which would deliver the greatest good to the greatest number of people.”
The Governor urged the people to continue to remember the government in prayers adding that, “with God we would take Edo State to the next level.”
The highpoint of the special thanksgiving mass was the thanks giving offering by the Governor and his Deputy, Rt.Hon Pius Odubu.
Amongst the dignitaries who graced the thanksgiving mass was former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, two Former Governors of Edo state, Chief John Odigie Oyegun and Prof. Osariemen Osunbor, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Action Congress of Nigeria Chieftains, members of the National Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly members, Judges of Edo Staste judiciary, led by Hon Justice Cromwelll Idahosa, traditional rulers, among others.
