By Raphael Okhiria
Ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship poll in Edo State, the Christian Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government, have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Christian community said it has resolved to support AiO² considering the very robust and productive relationship it has been having with Osarodion Ogie Esq and the credibility the PDP deputy governorship candidate has built over the years.
But the Christian body commended the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Chairman, Dr. Eric Osayande, for his accomplishments, saying that his works guarantees sweet victory for the local government area in the forthcoming poll.
“We all know the pedigree of Osarodion Ogie, he is a man of few words, but action, intelligent man, a man of capacity; I am very happy with the involvement of the church in this election, we will ensure that our impact is felt greatly as the election approaches.
“Gone are the days when the church stayed away from politics, we are not living it for anybody now, if it comes to prayer, we will pray, if it comes to counsel, we will counsel, we will not hesitate to criticise political office holders who do wrongly, and commend those who do well.
“We are happy with Council Chairman today because of his excellent report, I have discovered that Osayande is a man of his words, that is why I have gone close to him, noted the PFN’s Director of Policy and Governance, Apostle Elvis Agbonayinma.
The gathering of some members of the Christian body in Ikpoba-Okha, had more than 200 Christians leaders, drawn from various Churches in the area who gathered at the Cornerstone Deliverance Ministry Int’l, Isiuwa Street, Off Eweka Road, Benin City, to receive the deputy governorship candidate.
Represented by the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Chairman, Dr. Eric Osayande who reeled out the sterling qualities of Osarodion Ogie, who he described as a Man with a philanthropic heart and ever ready to help and support all those needing his assistance.
Osayande noted that Osarodion Ogie has been a major financier of the Christian community, having built Churches, sponsored Church programmes, noting that Osarodion Ogie consistently feeds the poor and provides for the needy, Christ’s doctrines captured in Proverbs 22:9, the generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Osayande charged the Church not to be ashamed to demand for power, noting that the next governor and deputy governor of Edo State must be persons with well-established Christian background, a requirement which Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie satisfactorily meets.
“In 2024, 2027, we must take over power, we must work very hard to occupy the political space, provided the person is from the house of God.
“Osarodion Ogie is somebody whose doors opens every 5am, till the next day, anybody can come in; a detribalized and astute public servant who believes in the ideals of equity, justice and fairness”, Osayande added.
Immediate past Chairman of EDSOGPADEC, Pastor Kennedy Osifo, also speaking, noted with delight that with Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, light has come to Edo.
Taking his bible verse from Matthew 5:14, which says “Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid”, Pastor Kennedy, stated that the Christian community must rise up to defend the state and ensure that men who have shown Christlike character viz: compassion, love and mentorship, are elected to the seats of governor and deputy governor in 2024.
He gave examples of some Church projects associated with Osarodion Ogie, which includes the children building at St. Paul Catholic Church, the Anglican Church in Obaretin, Pst. Kennedy also noted the very strong bond Osarodion Ogie shares with the Church through the Edo PFN Chairman, Pastor Dr. (Mrs) M.O. Agbonifo, and the several contributions Ogie makes to the Church, noting that the body must rise to support its own.
“He is a man that believes in the Church, we are getting it right now, let’s us fully embrace it”, Pastor Kennedy noted.
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