By Nosa Akenzua,
Ahead of the 2023 Delta state gubernatorial elections, a socio-political group, Delta Icon, yesterday, paid a courtesy visit to the executive members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Agbarho, Delta state.
The high-powered delegation of the group was led by Justice Vincent Ofesi, a former high court judge in Delta state.
Addressing the PFN executives, Ofesi said that the group visited in quest for the prayers and support of religious leaders in the state to enable the group achieve its set aims and objectives and to present the vision and mission of the group to the respected men of God.
Ofesi further disclosed that the group stood with the present rotational leadership agreement existing in the state and thus it was their wish for Delta Central Senatorial District to produce the governor of the state in 2023.
While presenting a copy of the group’s handbook to the clergymen, Ofesi noted that the group also wanted a governor who would consolidate the achievements of the present government of Delta state under Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the governor had done well in terms of infrastructural and human capital development.
According to the group, “Delta Icon is a group of prominent Deltans; professionals, academics, development practitioners, religious leaders, community and grass root leaders, and accomplished rights activists, drawn from the three senatorial districts and all ethnic nationalities in the state. They are committed to the development of a greater, more united, developed, prosperous, safe and stronger Delta; through the consolidation of the achievements of the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s administration in good governance, development and prosperity in the post 2023 era.”
“We came to solicit the prayers and support of our respected clergymen in our quest to have a governor who will consolidate on the achievements of this present administration, because prayer is the key. We cannot start anything without consulting God Almighty”
“We also wish to use this opportunity to present our vision and mission to you our fathers, so as to help us preach the good news of Delta Icon to all nooks and crannies of the state, because we know you have the ears of majority of persons in the state.”
“We want a governor that will be governor of all and not a governor of a segment of the state. And we are presently x-raying the several candidates presently showing interest for the gubernatorial seat and our position will be made known soonest,” Ofesi said.
In his response, the Delta state chapter chairman of PFN, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi, thanked the delegation for honouring the fellowship with their visit. He noted that the group was the first to consider the church as a point of call and, as such, promised that the PFN in Delta state would work with the group in ensuring the emergence of a God-fearing governor in the state come 2023.
Enakirerhi said “Christians, especially in Nigeria, are concerned now, more than ever, about who governs them. We want good governance; we want a God-fearing governor who will deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. We are happy that you decided to visit the church. Since you have honoured us with your visit, God will honour your every desire. We will work with you in ensuring that a God-fearing governor emerges come 2023.”
Other dignitaries present at the visit included Pastor Anne Okafor, Bishop Abos Willie, Secretary PFN, Bishop Sam Oyede, Rev. Dr O. K. Martins and all Delta state PFN executive council members.
In similar vein, the group was also received today by the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Delta State chapter led by Archbishop J. M. O. Arharwarian who welcomed and prayed for the success of their mission.