By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin-City
FORMER head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, was one of the dignitaries that graced the inter-denominational service organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as part of the activities to usher in Governor Adams Oshiomhole for a second term.
While the former head of state hailed Edo people for voting massively for Oshiomhole in the July 14 governorship election, Oshiomhole used the opportunity to explain why his government took a hard stand on teachers, saying “even the Bible says he who does not work does not eat”. Comrade Oshiomhole said he prays to God everyday to have the courage to do the right thing for the people of the state.
The service which attracted the cream of the society in Edo State including former Head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria, market women, Youths and students was held at the hard court of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
Responding to a plea by the Chairman of CAN in Edo State , Bishop Peter Imasuen, for him to recall the sacked teachers, Oshiomhole said: “The prayer I ask for everyday is for God to give me the courage and wisdom and to constantly remind me that I am here not because I am the best. I am here because he chose to favour me with the responsibility of leadership to harness the resources of our state and to creatively manage them.
Oshiomhole
“I have been very fortunate because it is one thing to think you have done your best and it is another thing for the people to appreciate it”.
“The chairman of CAN has asked me to undo all that we have done. I am a Catholic and every day I ask God to forgive me my sins, even as I forgive those who sin against me. I appreciate the power of forgiveness. The Bible says the labourer deserves his wages and the Bible also says that those who do not work should not eat.
And these are the challenges of leadership. The Bible also tells us that if a finger leads you to commit sin, it is better to cut it off. If a teacher would lead us to commit sin we better dismiss that teacher”.
