Bishop Imasuen Urges Politicians, Civil Servants, Others, To Put God First

The Bishop of Benin Anglican Communion, Bishop Peter Imasuen, has urged politicians, civil servants, youths and others to put God first in anything they do in order to live a Christ sent life.
Bishop Peter Imasuen gave the advice at the Service of Songs and Night of Tributes, organized by the Edo State Government in honour of late Senator (Princess) Adiza Franca Afegbua in Benin City.
Delivering a sermon on, “The Transient Nature of Man,” Bishop Peter Imasuen, who was represented by Ven. Osaro Igbinosa, said, “Death is a call that all must answer, as such, we need to put God first in all we do, and live our life with eternity in view.”
Bishop Peter Imasuen also advised politicians and others present, to always remember God when they are in office. He said if they do not put God first in what they are doing, after death they all will give an account on the resurrection day.
He praised the Christ-fulfilled life that the late Senator Adiza Franca Afegbua lived and commended her giving her life to the service of others, especially in the area of giving to the poor and the needy, and her impact in mobilizing women into politics.
The bishop said, “It is a known fact that human beings existence on earth is transient and it bothers my imagination when I see people who are living their lives as if there is no death. They live their lives carelessly, they do and undo, yes; when the appointed time comes for them to die, they will depart.
“It does not matter how rich, poor or influential you are in the society. What is important is that at the appointed time, you will die. Let us remember many people that lived before they died. For example, the great Adolf Hitler of Germany, who lived like a god; when death came he died. And many other African and world leaders.
“Now that you know that the money, chance and influence you have cannot deliver you from death, why do we need to live for God? One, because there is need for us to have a God first mentality. It means, putting God first in everything you do. Matt. 6:33 says, ‘Seek Him first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and every other thing shall be added unto you.’
“We were told that late Senator Adiza Franca Afegbua decided to give her life to God. You are here today as a senator, members of the House of Representatives and, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, did you put God first when you are legislating? Will you ask yourself, the law I am legislating now will God accept it and be happy with me? “
He charged followers to also be mindful of God and constructive in criticism.
“As followers, we must also put God first, not only the leaders. The way you relate with your leaders, you must make sure you put God first. What is your gain for insulting your leaders? You must advise them constructively if you find fault in them”.
The bishop also had words for family members: “As husbands how do you relate with your wives? Will you say you are the head of the home and take decision alone?
“Ask yourself, will God be happy with you? Women, will God be happy about what you are doing to your husbands? You need to have this God first mentality.
“The youths do you put God first when you are agitating? All you are just after is your stomach. Learn to put God first”
He called out civil servants to serve and be appreciative.
“Civil servants, you are employed and paid at the end of the month. Let’s thank the governor, the civil servants get their monthly salaries before 25th every month but do many civil servants actually put God first in their job or work? There are those who don’t come to office often, but when month ends, they will come and collect salary. And there are those who are siphoning money with the pen and files.
He appointed out that everybody will account for their actions.
“Note it, you will give an account someday. You need to live your life with eternity in view. When you die here, there is another life. That is why as you live your life, know that there is eternity. Know that you are a stranger in this world, but not from this world. How many of us know that we are strangers in this world? And at the appointed time, we all will go back to the maker (God),” the cleric challenged.
In his tribute, secretary to the Federal Government, (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by Chris Taka, described late Senator Adiza Franca Afegbua as a great woman and also challenged everyone, particularly the women, to emulate her life style.
He said, “It is my pleasure to stand before you, to represent your brother and friend, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation in Nigeria (SGF), who would have love to be here, but for some reasons, he could not make it.
“I have been sent to represent him for this great occasion to celebrate our mother, Senator Adiza Franca Afegbua. In every generation, one is born to set the stage, to stage a place and to be a door opener for more generations, and generations to come, such was this great amazon lady.
“When she first emerged as the centre stage of the Nigerian politics as the first elected female black Senator in Africa and the nation, she indeed, fulfilled her life. Not only did she take her place in the Senate, but she was also vocal in the Senate. She later went into her private life business and did enough great things for charity and humanity.
“The word of encouragement she often gives to everybody she met is, ‘Don’t fail your generation; be an example for everybody and stand strong’. I have kept those words in my heart, and it has been my guiding principle.
“Senator Akume will like you to know that late Senator Adiza Franca Afegbua was not mother of Edo State alone, but also a mother to Benue State; in every house you go in Benue State, she is well known. Today, like every great star who had marked his time in space, she may have be fading away, but she will never be forgotten.
“The time of history of the state, Africa and nations will always remember her for her great roles. She had been inspirational and encouragement to people. And as such, we challenge everyone, particularly our women, to emulate her. I know Edo has always produced great women and people in Nigeria.
” Today, it is encouraging when we look at the government, the Senate, the state and the nation at large, we can see great women standing tall shoulder to shoulder with the men folks . This great woman has passed on, may she never be forgotten. So it is our encouragement and challenge that Edo State has marked her greatness, and Nigeria will raise a monument to celebrate her greatness,” the SGF suggested.