Gov Amaechi Lists Path To Peace

Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, has underscored the need to enforce the law as a path to peace in the country.

Amaechi made the assertion while speaking at a thanksgiving service of the third session Synod of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Evo Diocese Province of Niger Delta yesterday at St. Nicholas Anglican Church in Port Harcourt.

He said, apart from the enforcement of the law irrespective of the person, the freedom of worshop and faith was fundamental to peace and unity in the country.

He said, “As the chairman of the Governors’ Forum (NGF), what I will preach here is that there is need for peace in the whole country. There is need for peace and how we go about that is for the government to sit with its citizens on how to go about that peace.

The Governor maintained that those who disrupt peace should not be spared but severely dealt with in accordance with the law saying, “Nobody should be allowed to have immunity; nobody should commit an offence and go away in the community doing whatever he likes.” Let the person be held accountable and be punished for that.”

Amaechi held that if the law fells short of punishing those who violate it, then it would  send bad signals to the citizenry while pointing out that government, the Church and other institutions were established to instill order in society.

The Rivers State Governor maintained that the NGF will continue to preach peace and unity amongst Christians and Muslims,” anybody who disturbs the Muslim from worshipping in his mosque, I will arrest the person. He should be allowed to practice his religion, just as we should be allowed to practise our religion anywhere, or any part of the world,” he added.

Amaechi argued that religion was a personal affair and a fundamental human right – hence, every citizen should be allowed to practise his or her faith.

He further stressed that the church has a great role to play, especially through what the church leaders preach to their congregation.

Rt. Hon. Amaechi therefore lauded the church and Bishop of Evo Diocese for their prayers and promised that his administration would continue to build the necessary infrastructure in improving the lives of the citizenry.

Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of Damaturu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Abiodun Ogunyemi condemned the laxity of Christians in watching and praying, as he challenged them on the need to spread the gospel.

The Anglican cleric opined that one way to transform the country was through evangelism and therefore called for wisdom and alertness from all Christians.

In another related event, at the foundation laying ceremony of the Apostolic Fire Ministry, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has enjoined Christians not to abandon God during their time of wealth.

The Governor said it was good to worship God in times of plenty and lack, “please, come to church for the love of God. When you come because of love of God, God will make you greater.”

He thanked the congregation for the immense support given to their pastor, while urging them to win more souls for Christ.

Speaking earlier, Prophet Michael Akindapo praised the Governor for his visionary leadership and love of God as he prayed for peace and prosperity in Rivers State.