Reporter – Emeka Chigbu
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party at the just concluded National elections have called for prayers from Nigerian’s for politicians stressing that the country is still in the hands of criminals without conscience.
Mr. Peter Obi made the call on Sunday at the open air non denominational Thanksgiving service in Umuahia as part of ceremonies following the inauguration of Abia state governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Peter Obi was special guest of honour of the new Abia governor who came into office on the platform of the Labour Party.
The Labour Party presidential candidate further alleged that the nation is still criminalised and will require concerted efforts and intervention to change the negative position of things in the country.
Obi took the opportunity to also advise Dr. Alex Otti to work in the interest of all Abians particularly the poor and downtrodden who make the high numbers of those who voted for the emergence of the governor.
Dr. Alex Otti was urged to accommodate the retirees, pensioners and civil servants as he begins the job of rebuilding Abia as governor.
Mr. Obi reminded Dr. Otti that his victory at the polls was a divine mandate based on the grace of God which must not be abused.
In response Dr. Otti pledged to take the bit’s of advice offered by Mr. Obi to heart and ensure that the lot of the downtrodden in Abia is betterd.
In his message at the thanksgiving service, lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Jerry Eze likened the thanksgiving ceremony to the story of the Ten lepers healed by Jesus in the biblical account of St Luke. He noted that of the Ten lepers healed, only one came to Jesus to offer thanksgiving and was made completely whole.
The thanksgiving ceremony which witnessed a major downpour described by some as showers of blessing had in attendance clerics from various churches, mass choirs, recently appointed senior government officials, Labour Party members and Abians from all walks of life.
Music renditions from celebrated gospel artist Buchi who is also an Abia indigene, elicited spontaneous reactions of excitement from many in attendance leading to dance groups forming within the foreground of the service arena.
At some point the wife of the governor Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti joined the women in a group dance to the delight of onlookers.
Dr. Alex Otti will serve as governor of Abia state for the next four years on the platform of the Labour Party marking the first time in twenty four years an opposition Party will be in power in the state.
The thanksgiving service marks the end of inauguration ceremonies of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as governor of Abia state.