ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reminded politicians and civil servants that public positions are held in trust for citizens and should be exercised with responsibility, integrity and commitment to the common good.
Oborevwori spoke on Sunday at the 66th Independence Thanksgiving Service at Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road, Asaba, where he also called on Nigerians to sustain the values of sacrifice, patriotism, courage and resilience in building the country.
The Governor said those occupying elected or appointed positions should regard themselves as servants of the people rather than beneficiaries of public office.
“At this juncture, I want to remind those of us in public service, politicians and civil servants alike, to make service to the people our number one priority. After all, it is called public service,” he said.
“Whether you are a civil servant or a politician, whether you are appointed or elected, you are serving the people. Every position you hold is held in trust for the people, not just for you and your immediate family.”
He further urged public officials to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, noting that those entrusted with public responsibilities would ultimately be required to account for their stewardship.
The Governor also called on Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices required to build a country that reflects their collective aspirations, while paying tribute to the country’s founding fathers for their contributions to the attainment of independence.
He urged citizens to continue praying for Nigeria’s peace and prosperity, describing the Church’s intercession as an important contribution to national development.
“Praying for the nation is a powerful investment that pays huge dividends. I urge us, therefore, not to relent in the place of prayer, because men ought always to pray and not to faint,” Oborevwori said.
The Governor said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence provided an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey and give thanks to God for its survival and progress.
He specifically pointed to the country’s return to democratic rule and said Nigeria had recorded steady progress despite difficulties along the way.
“On May 29 this year, we celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule. That is something to celebrate and thank God for. Yes, there have been bumps and twists along the way, but overall, we are making steady progress, and the future remains promising and exciting,” he said.
Oborevwori also linked individual wellbeing to national peace and security, saying the stability enjoyed in communities depends partly on the wider peace of the country.
He attributed what he described as relative peace in Delta State to the contributions of traditional rulers, Presidents-General, community leaders and other stakeholders, as well as what he described as divine wisdom.
The Governor urged the Church to maintain its role in praying for the nation, citing the biblical injunction in Jeremiah 29:7 to seek the peace of the city and pray for it.
Earlier, the Presiding Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ibusa Road Branch, Asaba, Pastor Samuel Johns, called on Nigerians to remain committed to nation-building through faith, patriotism and responsible citizenship.
Johns said the development of any country required citizens to make meaningful contributions to their communities rather than leaving the responsibility entirely to government.
He identified civic responsibility, sacrifice, love for the country and positive community impact as important obligations of citizens, expressing optimism that Nigeria could unlock its potential.
The pastor also prayed for wisdom for leaders at all levels, urging them to manage public resources responsibly and place the common good above personal interests.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori; President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Oritsedere; Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and other lawmakers.
Also present were Delta State APC Deputy Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh, government officials, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.
The emphasis on public office as a trust provides a distinct angle from the more widely published reports, which have primarily led with the Governor’s appeal for sacrifice and patriotism.
