PIX: BRIPIN ENARUSAI
By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged public office holders to maintain a clear distinction between political responsibilities and service to God, saying the pursuit of political interests should never weaken their commitment to faith and humanity.
Oborevwori made the call in Abuja on Saturday after receiving the Christian Icon Award from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) during the association’s 50th anniversary celebration at the National Christian Centre.
The award was presented by CAN President, His Eminence, Most Rev. (Dr.) Daniel C. Okoh, in recognition of the governor’s public service, ethical leadership and commitment to Christian values.
Speaking after the presentation, Oborevwori expressed gratitude to God for the honour, describing it as a reminder of the responsibility to serve humanity with greater dedication.
“We may be involved in politics, but we must be able to distinguish between serving God and playing politics. These are two different responsibilities, and we must never allow politics to undermine our commitment to God,” he said.
The governor explained that his commitment to serving in the church predated his emergence as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He said he had continued with his ushering duties despite advice at the time that his political position might make the practice inappropriate.
According to him, his conviction that service to God and humanity should remain a sustained responsibility has continued to guide his public life.
Oborevwori described the recognition by CAN as particularly meaningful because, in his view, the association’s awards reflect not only public service but also character, integrity and the impact of a recipient’s contributions to society.
“When an organisation such as CAN gives you an award, it means a lot because the recognition is based not merely on public service but also on integrity, character and the impact you have made,” he said.
The governor also commended efforts to bring the five blocs within the Christian community together, expressing the belief that greater unity among them would strengthen their contribution to national development.
He said a united Christian community, speaking with one voice on issues of common concern, could contribute to a more cohesive Nigeria.
Oborevwori added that service to God should be undertaken with sincerity, dedication and a sense of responsibility, rather than for personal gratification or public recognition.
CAN’s 50th anniversary celebration brought together religious leaders, political office holders and other prominent Nigerians to mark the association’s five decades of service.
Those who accompanied the governor included immediate past Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and members of the National Assembly, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Nicholas Mutu and Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko.
Others were the Chief of Staff, Government House, Hon. Johnson Erijo, and the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, alongside other government functionaries and political leaders.
