ByKen Meju
Eberechi Suzzette Wike and his entourage at Salvation Ministries
Giving thanks is a mark of appreciation. “When you are not grateful toGod for what he has done for you, then you are a great fool”. That was theadmonishment from Pastor David Ibiyeomie as the founder and members ofSalvation Ministries Worldwide celebrated the 22nd anniversary of the church.
The celebration was coloured with emotion as the just re-elected governor ofRivers State, Chief Ezenwon Nyesom Wike also cameto the church’s headquarters in GRA, Port Harcourt to thank God for hiselectoral victory. Governor Wike came with his wife and children along with hissupporters who swelled the crowd at the alter.
He was earlier spotted on the front row during the5th service with his wife, the PDP national chairman, Prince Utche Secondusbefore he was invited to the podium for an address.
There was a clapping ovation and exhilaration asthe victorious governor took up to the microphone. He said God fought a battlefor Rivers people to win.
“I am here first to thank God with my wife andchildren for what he has done for us. What he has done for us as regards whathappened in the state, of which everyone is aware. He fought the battle for usto win. No one is the loser, and no one is the winner but God fought the battlefor Rivers State to win.
“I also want to thank our Papa, the man of Godwho stood by us. Even where there seemed to be no hope he would tell us thatthe battle is the Lord’s till at the end, we won the battle”. Thatreceived a thunderous applause.
The governor who has since sent out an olive branchto those in opposition said he bears no grudge.
He restated, “I bear no grudge so haveforgiven everyone who may have offended and if I have in any way offendedanyone, I also ask for forgiveness. I therefore urge everyone to join hands tomove Rivers State forward”.
That elicited shouts, clapping and waving of handsin solidarity from the already excited congregation then a monumental hush asPastor Ibiyeomie stepped in to conclude.
He collaborated Wike’s assertion that thegovernorship battle in the state was fought by God and described his speech asthe shortest political speech as he called on the congregation to pray for thegovernor and state. A prayer he sealed with laying of hands on the Wike’s andtheir entourage.
