By John Odhe, YENAGOA
The governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has advocated greater unity in the body of Christ to enable it fulfil its divine purpose in the state and the country at large.
Diri made the call at the inauguration ceremony of the new State Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa Chapter, at the Redeemed Glory Family Church, Agudama-Epie, in Yenagoa, on Monday.
Speaking at the event through his deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa helmsman pointed out that there was great strength in unity, stressing that as long as the body of Christ was united, there was practically nothing it could not achieve in the service of God and humanity.
According to him, the level of unity God required in the contemporary Church was lacking, as there was too much bickering, greed and strong liking for personal aggrandisement within the body of Christ.
He emphasized that for unity to thrive, there must be sacrifice, love and acceptance of one another regardless of denominational differences to enable the church to continually make impact in society.
Diri, who acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Church and government, however, insisted it was necessary for the pulpit to preach the real gospel by standing boldly to speak truth to power without cowering in fear.
His words, “There is much strength in unity. As long as the body of Christ is united, there is nothing we cannot achieve. The devil knows this, and that is why he fights the unity of the Church to make it impossible for the Church to achieve its purpose.
“Unity comes with a sacrifice. Somebody must let go for unity to stand. There is too much bickering in the Church, and the noise in our politics has practically overflowed into the Church.
“The tenets we propagate in society as a Church are vital to its perception. Therefore, preach the real gospel to the people around you. Take a non-partisan approach to boldly tell leaders the truth.”
While congratulating the outgone Revd Father Joseph Opelema-led state CAN executive council and the newly inaugurated leadership, he expressed confidence that the new leadership would foster greater relationships within the body of Christ in Bayelsa.
Inaugurating the new State executive council of CAN, Reverend Father Victor Ofili commended the Bayelsa State chapter of CAN for the existing unity and for meeting its financial obligations at the national level.
Ofili, who is the CAN South-South vice chairman, appealed to the Bayelsa State government to sustain its support to CAN both at the state and regional levels.
In his acceptance speech, the new chairman of CAN, Bayelsa chapter, Reverend Abili Samuel Abili, pledged to lead the foremost Christian organization with humility and a high sense of responsibility to the body of Christ.
Reverend Abili appreciated the Governor Douye Diri-led administration, which he said has been a great partner of CAN, for creating a conducive atmosphere for the body of Christ.
He equally appreciated his predecessor, Opelema, for the good foundation he had laid, and thanked all stakeholders within the CAN family, cutting across the various blocs, for giving him the opportunity to serve the body.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the deputy governor on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasin, the members of the new State CAN executive council were Bishop Dotimi Egbegi, vice chairman; Reverend Father Raymond Ogiramkopu Ogio, secretary; and Senior Apostle Michael Makpa, treasurer.
The inauguration ceremony, which attracted Christians from across the state, was also attended by the Member representing the Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Chief Fred Agbedi.
Also in attendance were the chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari; the Special Adviser to the governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins Cocodia; and the CAN South-South secretary, Bishop Lazarus Azia, among others.
