The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Friday, set politics aside, as top gladiators of both parties stormed the St Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, to honour Most Rev. Dr Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Archbishop of Benin Catholic Archdiocese on his 10th Episcopal ordination anniversary celebration.
The APC was led by the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and had Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Deputy Governor Pius Odubu and the state APC Chairman, Anselm Ojezua among others present, while the PDP had the party’s former BOT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, the state chairman of the party, Dan Orbih and Chief Tom Ikimi among others in the church.
The sitting arrangement was mixed, as politics was completely set aside.
The governor sat next to Chief Anenih, who sat next to Mr Orbih and Chief Odigie-Oyegun. To the admiration of all at the event, the political rivals exchanged pleasantries and compliments all through the programme.
Edo State Governor, who was special guest of honour, called on Catholic bishops and other clergies to continue to pray for Nigerian leaders, so that their decisions and actions would reflect the teachings of Christ and bring about greater advantage for Nigerians.
He said: “Allow me to say, that we in government need more of your prayers. I wish to use this privilege of being here to appeal to Catholic bishops to continue to pray for Nigeria as you have always done, and in particular ask God in His infinite mercy and powers to touch our hearts, as public officers who are entrusted with the resources of our great country, that we may always remember that the privileges we exercise, the powers we purport to possess, is not of our merit, but of the grace of our Lord. And in exercising those powers, that we may do so in a way that reflects the teachings of Christ, so that Nigeria and Nigerians shall benefit from the decisions we take every minute, every hour, every day and every year.”