Bayelsa State Information Commissioner, Daniel Iworiso Markon, has emphasized the need for thanksgiving to God at all times to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the November 16, gubernatorial elections in the state.
Markson who stated this today in a press conference in Yenagoa, as part of preparations for this year’s annual thanksgiving noted that, ” all the demons that want to cause violence during the elections as we give thanks they will be chased away. We expect that there will be no violence and bloodshed as we all come out to thank God”
The Information Commissioner observed that this year’s annual thanksgiving which is billed to take place on Saturday November 2, 2019 was significant in so many ways particularly as it would be the last since the Governor Henry Seriake administration enacted the Thanksgiving law in 2012.
He said, ” I am delighted to formally announce to you all that this years annual thanksgiving day which as you all know is the first of its kind in any state of the country and one of the firsts of the restoration government is the 8th edition coming up on the second of November 2019.”
” What we should know is that this one is very significant in so many ways. We started in 2012 and today, we will be marking the 8th edition. For me, this is very profound. I think it’s something we shouldn’t take lightly.”
Markson remarked that Bayelsans had good reasons to thank God especially for the prevailing peace and the historical feat attained by the restoration government as the first ever to do a straight two terms of four years, attributing it to the character of Governor Seriake Dickson whose passion and love for God found expression in being the first Governor in Nigeria to pass a law setting aside a special day to thank God.
He said Governor Dickson’s love for God is also exemplified in being the first Governor since the creation of the state to build a befitting house of worship for God with daily morning devotions and monthly praise nights holding without fail since he came into power.
“I want to give thanks to God almighty. As a state, we feel truly blessed for what the Lord has done for us as a people and as a government for God to take us to where we are. Too often people are quick to complain and have very little time to thank God. But as a government, for the past eight years there are so many reasons to thank God,” he observed
The Government Spokesman said, “Our administration is the first since the creation of the state to serve for eight straight years. Also the kind of peace and political stability that we enjoy. To manage a state like Bayelsa and for all the organs of government to be working harmoniously is no mean achievement.”
Markson who is Chairman, Planning Committee for this Year’s thanksgiving explained that the thanksgiving was open to all Bayelsans irrespective of party affiliations, and called on everyone to turn out enmasse at the Ecumenical Center on Saturday November2, 2019 by 10 am to thank God.
He said, “This thankgiving is not partisan. There’s no APC or PDP. It doesn’t matter which party you belong. As a people and at every opportunity we should set aside our political leanings to come together to give thanks to God. We believe that as we go into the elections that It’s not a coincidence that the thanksgiving is coming before the elections. We expect that there will be no bloodshed and violence during the elections.”
He. therefore, warned against unnecessary politicisation of the event and charged journalists to be objective in reporting the true essence of the thanksgiving which is to express thanksgiving to God:
‘By sheer virtue of what we are doing here today it is an open invitation to everyone. This is not partisan. Bayelsans ofall persuasions should come and let’s thank God together. We should refrain from politicizing everything”
He continued: “We realise that because we are in an election period, there’s the tendency to politicize everything . there’s no politics here. Both APC and the PDP go to church on Sundays. We’re inviting all. All include everybody, the APC, PDP and members of all other parties. At every point in time when we have had cause to call people to come, the numbers have been overwhelming. I beg us in the name of God to keep politics out of this because at the end of the day God is bigger than everybody”
“We believe that the elections will be peaceful. But that can only happen when we recognize the place of God in our lives,” he concluded
Markson recalled that on assumption of office the thanksgiving bill was the first bill sent to the state house of assembly by Governor Dickson, and that this underscored the importance of the event.
He thanked the media for their continuous support towards the success of previous thanksgiving days..
In his remarks. Secretary of the planning committee, Pastor David Yalah disclosed that Governor Seriake Dickson has approved two days of solemn assembly being the Thursday and Friday immediately preceding the thanksgiving day which will hold at the banquet hall and, urged everyone to attend with fasting to seek for God’s mercies ahead of the elections.
“Whenever you thank God you become so special in the eyes of God. Above all, thanksgiving can heal a Land. When we as Bayelsans praise God, the enemies will be pushed back and Bayelsa will see better days,” the clergy admonished
Pastor Yalah disclosed that the thanksgiving service will feature prominent international speakers including the Archbishop Johnson Tammy from the United States as guest speaker and Bishop Wole Oke and other great men of God from Nigeria were also expected to minister.
He stated that Governor Dickson was God sent as he has proven to be a true worshipper of God: “His Excellency is sent by God. Anyone who asks you to praise God is truly a Servant of God”
Also speaking a member of the planning Committee, Reverend Precious Precious said the restoration government, more than any other, has continued to provide the right atmosphere for the promotion of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“This government has encouraged the promotion of the gospel, makes it possible for the church to operate in peaceful and serene environment.. We’re no longer where we used to be. It’s by the finger of God. God used to answer the prayers and aspirations of the people of Bayelsa State. Paising Him opens doors for the Spirit of God to take His place”.
Other members of the planning committee present at the briefing include Mr Christopher Oti, Director of Information, Mr Marshall Edolor, Director of Research and Statistics, Mrs Ebi Kakanda, Director of New Media, onetime Chairman, NUJ Bayelsa, Mr Seiyefa Ozaka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Print Media, Pastor Soji Ajibola and the founding General Manager of People’s FM, Mr Lawson Heyford.
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