01/07/2024
WORSHIPPERS DEFY COUNCIL CHAIRMANS BAN, TROOPS EN-MASS TO HONOUR SGF AKUME AT THANKSGIVING SERVICE .
Monday, 01 July, 2024.
Regardless of the alleged ban pronounced by the Guma Local Council Caretaker Chairman under the administration of Gov. Hyacinth Alia on the Thanksgiving service in honor of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Dr. George Akume, CON, worshippers, supporters, and loyalists gathered in multitude on Sunday at NKST Church, Daudu-Mbawa, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, to honour their leader and hero of democracy in Benue and North Central Nigeria.
Recall that about two months ago, the Konshisha LGC Caretaker Chairman, in a gestapo move, prevented a member of the House of Representative, representing Jechira (Vandeikya/Konshisha) Federal Constituency from attending a Mass organized by his community, allegedly on the orders of Gov Alia, who is reportedly at odds with APC party faithful loyal to the SGF.
So yesterday's Thanksgiving service in honour of the SGF was almost aborted in a similar fashion of the Konshisha scenario.
Although, the service in honour of the SGF in Daudu, Guma LGA, was to celebrate the glory of God in the life of Sen. Akume, recognizing how he has navigated various levels of political leadership. It highlighted the significant contributions he has made with each opportunity, including advancements in socio-infrastructural and human capital development, politicians opposed to the SGF including Governor Alia, and his co-travellers attempted to abort it, on the grounds of insecurity.
However, as the crowd of worshippers, stakeholders and loyal children of the SGF defied the ban, prayers were offered in thanksgiving to God for the recent elevation of the Benue and North Central political leader, Sen. Akume, to the esteemed position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This position has already begun to benefit Benue through various federal projects, including the construction of the River Buruku bridge, the reconstruction of the Makurdi to Katsina-Ala road, the building of housing units in the state, and the construction of dams in every local government. Additionally, Sen. Akume's influence has led to the appointment of several Benue indigenes into key positions within the Federal Government's MDAs.
In his sermon, Rev. JT Aernyi JP encouraged the congregation to emulate the leadership philosophy of Sen. Akume and to strive to leave their own positive marks wherever they find themselves.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), represented by his Chief of Staff, Christopher Tarka, expressed appreciation to the NKST Daudu for the honor. He emphasized the importance of peace and unity in the state and called for support for leaders at all levels. Additionally, he conveyed his deep gratitude to God Almighty and the people for the abundant grace and goodwill he has experienced throughout his life.
Akume stressed that it has always been his guiding principle to give back to society. He assured that he will remain committed to contributing fully to the betterment and development of his people and society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, emphasized the importance of thanksgiving in his remarks. The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers' Council stated that it is an essential principle of life to give thanks and express appreciation after receiving an act of kindness or favour.
Barr. Akutah, who was represented by his Principal Private Adviser, Comr. Atir Solomon Faeren emphasized that gratitude is a virtue they have learned from their father and leader, Sen. Akume. This sense of gratitude prompted their return to NKST Daudu to express appreciation for the blessings and support received during the last general elections, which resulted in an overwhelming victory, particularly in the gubernatorial election.
Prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, the SGF, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, and various federal appointees from Benue. These included the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Utsev; the ES/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, Barr. Pius Akutah; the Executive Director of Finance and Accounts at FHA, Dr. Mathias Byuan; NDDC Member, Engr. Nick Wende; Hon. Andrew Uchi; and others.
Others included members of the National and State Assemblies from Benue, such as Sen. Emmanuel Udende, Sen. Titus Zam, Hon. Sekav Iortyom, Hon. Beckie Orpin, and Hon. Simon Gabo.
The service, which also aimed to raise funds for the roofing of the church building, had several loyalists and supporters of the SGF in attendance who donated generously to the project. These included Hon. Austin Agada, the APC State Chairman; Prof. Terhemba Shija; Dr. Terhemen Tarzoor; Rev. Philip Tachin; Hon. Cletus Tyokyaa; Chris Dura; Engr. Manger; and Rt. Hon. Avine Agbum, among others.
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