Rivers
Ex-Chief Whip Credits Political Success To God, Wike
The immediate past Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, has attributed his successful political career in the last 12 years to the benevolence of God and the support of former Governor of the State, Cheif Nyesom Wike.
He said this at a special family Thanksgiving Service at the St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu, in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Hon Bipi said he felt fulfilled that God had given him the opportunity to serve the people of Ogu/Bolo LGA in the last 12 years.
“As I stand before you today on this momentous occasion of a Special Thanksgiving Service, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment and an immeasurable gratitude to the Almighty God and to Rivers people, especially the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency on whose mandate I rode on to the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
According to the former lawmaker, “this Special Thanksgiving Service was borne out of the need to express my profound gratitude and immense appreciation to God for seeing me through in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, where I represented the good people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency and contributed towards the advancement of good governance in our dear State.
“But for God, who is the lifter of men, and the sustained support of some well-meaning individuals whom God used to create my pathway in destiny, I would not have been able to fulfil my dream in politics thus far.
“Let me acknowledge with a heartfelt gratitude, our amiable former Governor and Honourable Minister of FCT, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, Life Bencher, for being instrumental in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly vis-à-vis my successful terms in office.
“It is pertinent to state that the former Governor was not just instrumental in my election and re-elections, he graciously granted approvals while in office which enabled me attract and execute several critical people-oriented projects in my constituency.
“My gratitude to him knows no bound and I will never take his kindness towards me and my family for granted”, he said.
Rt Hon Bipi also thanked the political leaders of Ogu/Bolo LGA for what he called their immense support and encouragement.
He listed for commendations the new Executive Director of Finance and Administration of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Boma Iyaye, and Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders of the LGA.
“I also acknowledge the commendable role played by the various political groups of Ogu/Bolo in my journey to the Rivers State House of Assembly, most importantly the Women Group led by Miss Christy Tamunobereton-ari for standing up against some unknown gunmen in military uniform who came to steal votes and subvert the free will of the people of Ogu/Bolo during my re-election in 2019.
“I, therefore, crave the indulgence of all who made it to this auspicious occasion in my honour to kindly join me as I make my way to the alter to appreciate and return all the Glory to God for my successful terms in the Rivers State House of Assembly”, he said.
In his sermon at the occasion, the Bishop, Diocese of Okrika Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rt Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia Obianime, called on Nigerians to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour.
Obianime, whose sermon was titled “Sure Mercy of God”, said God always established covenant with those whose ways are pleasing to Him.
He also said Christ is the solution to the numerous problems facing the country, adding that Evans Bapakaye Bipi has done so much for the church.
Also speaking, Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Adokiye . O. Chuku, said the community is impressed with the achievements of Rt. Hon Bipi in the last 12 years as a lawmaker.
Chief Chuku said the former lawmaker has attracted numerous development projects to Ogu Town and its environs.
Similarly, a former lawmaker, Chief Michael Okey Chinda, said Rt, Hon Bipi never disappointed those who came in contact with him.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dumle Maol , the Amanyanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Hon. Boma Iyaye, among others.
By: John Bibor