… Say we have always prayed for a Catholic Governor
The yearning since the creation of Delta State for the Catholic Church to produce a governor, would see the light of day with the emergence of Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM OON, a devoted Catholic parishioner.
Gbagi, a selfless philanthropist and a Catholic member, is the governorship candidate on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 gubernatorial race in Delta.
Speaking Sunday October 30th 2022, during a meeting of the Catholic youth of Warri Diocese under the auspices of Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria, (OLEH REGION), held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ozoro, Isoko north local government area of the state, the Youth Chaplain, Rev. Father Tega Ogbeni, commended Gbagi, who thought it wise enough to visit the Church.
Hear him: “Before now, those vying for political positions will just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they go away, believing that they will win. I thank God that you have ernest need to be here that the youths are needed.
“The awareness is beginning to be there. The political awareness is now getting to the minds of the individual and that is why we are all seated here today, listening to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholics especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a governor so that the Church can have a direct impact on governance.
“In the history of Delta State, I am aware that the Catholic Church has never produced the governor and the Catholic Church has been trying to liaise with the government but sometimes, it may not scale through because even those governors have their own churches and agenda.
“As Catholics, we believe in good governance and we don’t believe in words only, we believe in action. I want to assure you that these are Christian faithfuls who are gathered here and I believe they have good conscience and they can make the right choice.
“As a church, we pray for you that you will be successful and that God’s grace will be with you and that just as you have this good heart to lead the people of God, I pray that God who works miraculously, will do it for you”.
Also, the President of the body, Peter Ijesah, assured him (Gbagi) that the youths would do the needful come 2023.
He said; “We the youths of Catholic faith, we have the structure for leadership, yet the state government has failed to recognize our leadership qualities.
“At this time, we need a leader who will attend to out challenges. As you embark on this mission, as you take the lead, we will follow.
“We need somebody who will represent us and represent us well. We will go to the pulling units and cast our votes”, he added.
Rev. F. Tega Ogbeni, Spiritual Director of CYON, Warri Diocese added; “Before now, those who are aspiring for political positions just visit the palace and visit some few persons and they believe they will win.
“I thank God that the political awareness is now getting to the minds of each and every individual. And that is why we are all seated here today listening to you despite the fact that some have come from very far but we have said, let us sit down this time to listen to you.
“We have listened and it has been our prayers as Catholic, especially in Delta State for a Catholic to be a Governor so that the church can have the direct impact of governance.
“As you have been asked to lead the people of God, I pray may God who works miraculously will do it for you through Christ our Lord”, he affirmed.
Earlier, the largest private investor in the state, said: “My younger ones, we cannot be the best yet, we are nothing. I make bold to tell you on a clean ground that this is the first time that a Catholic will aspire to be governor of Delta State .
“If you do not fight for a true Catholic for the first time to come and bring the body of Christ into governance, because the problem that we have is that the Church is separated from the governance of the state and as a Catholic, it is my believe that I will make it work.
“l have come to tell you that I am a Catholic, don’t sell your votes and check all the governorship candidates. You need someone you can be proud of, I plead with you, check who wants to govern you.
“I appeal to you, don’t sell your votes but vote for credible leaders that would provide basic infrastructure that would enhance the wellbeing of the Church”, Gbagi said.
He said that it was only through the peaceful conduct of electoral process that credible and honest elected representatives would emerge.
“If we want to have it good, we must work towards electing responsible people to manage our State resources for optimal performance”, he said.
He said that the desired objectives of having good democratic governance would only be possible if eligible Deltans would shun all kind of money politics and not engage in selling their voter’s cards.
The leadership of the Catholic Youth Organization, present at the meeting are Peter Ijesah, President,
Ukutegbe Benedict, Vice President I,
Tejiri franca, Vice Presidential II,
Oghenede Matthew, Secretary,
Ifeoma Mary Ekezeh, Assistant Secretary, Obreba kome, Financial Secretary, Diamond Juliet, Assistant Treasurer.
Others include Sunday Matthew Orosevwohwo, DOS I, Stanley Ahoafa, DOS II, Eseoghene Arehoba, PROVOST II, Kenneth, PROVOST I, Pullah Theresa, Liberian, Okafor Rosemary, Pastoral Head, Omoba Emmanuel, PRO I,
Okolakpa Kendis, PRO II, Salice fortune – WELFARE. I and Doctor Sophia, WELFARE II.
While on the entourage of the SDP governorship candidate are the South-south Vice Chairman of the party, Elder Fred Owhotorofa, the Deputy governorship candidate, Chief Mrs. Rosemary Ishioma Oshilim, the Delta Central Senatorial Chairman, Comrade Mike Dugbo, Onyidu George, Delta North Director, party members and teeming supporters.
