Obasanjo worships with Jonathan in Otuoke

Agency ReporterFebruary 18, 2018

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Former presidents; Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor of Bayelsa State are among other dignitaries worshipped together for the Sunday service at St. Stephen Anglican Church, Otuoke Diocese, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The church program is a thanksgiving service to celebrate the sixth year anniversary of the Henry Seriake Dickson administration in Bayelsa State.

Obasanjo, who spoke at the congregation preached unity and reconciliation saying it was a privilege to worship in the church, particularly with Jonathan, whom he described as “my brother, my colleague and my friend.”

He said “And for me, that underpins the homily you (Rev. Oruwari) gave to us — reconciliation.

“Unless we preach, we teach, and practise reconciliation, we will not have peace.

“And unless we have peace, we will not have development; and unless we have developed, we will not have growth; and if we do not have growth, we will not come out of poverty.

“Even if some of us are exceptionally lucky and they are able to get out, the majority of us will be ridden in poverty and that is not what God has ordained for this country.

“What God has ordained for this country is for this country to be a land flowing with milk and honey; a land of plenty and a land of prosperity.

He said it was a privilege to worship in the church, particularly with Jonathan, whom he described as “my brother, my colleague and my friend” he said.

On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan thanked Obasanjo for his visit and for worshipping with him in the church in his hometown.

He said “It is a unique opportunity. Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo promised that he was going to visit my village when I visited his hometown after leaving office. But I did not know it was going to come at this time.

“But we have to thank Governor Seriake Dickson because Obasanjo was to come here only once. The Governor insisted that immediately he comes in, Obasanjo would come and see us, and that before he leaves, he will also worship with us.”

The church service also had in attendance Governor Seriake Dickson; his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.); Jonathan’s wife, Patience Jonathan; former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, top officials of Bayelsa State Government and many other prominent personalities.