Rivers
has been embroiled in a political crisis which culminated in a free for
all at the House of Assembly last week, with some members injured.
Jonathan said this during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa by 16 bishops from the South-South geo-political zone.
“Rivers
state issue is one thing I’ve committed to prayer because I believe
there is nothing God cannot do. God restored me and I’ll do His work
without the fear of man.
“The
truth will always remain the truth and what God ordains must come to
pass and so Rivers issue is something we’ve handed over to God.”
The
president’s wife said contrary to some reports, she had always mediated
between Gov. Chibuike Amaechi and other parties in a crisis that began
four years ago.
“This
matter started as far back as four years ago at Anyugubiri in Okrika
when I begged him not to demolish a part of Okrika but (that he should)
dialogue first with the people.
“After
that incident, he called the chairman of Okrika (local government) and
sacked him for holding a reception in our honour; that boy was the first
victim.
“He
also put my people on curfew for nine months. I called him and pleaded
with him but he refused. Then I began to hear all sort of propaganda in
the media against me; this is not the way.
“I’ve
never spoken about this issue but as men of God, I believe you’ll say
the truth always because there are a lot of conflicting interests; some
will hear one thing and say the exact opposite.
“I
also want you to know the genesis of this problem and pray that God
touches Amaechi’s heart as per his hot temper because when two elephants
fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
Jonathan
urged the parties involved in the crisis to help to resolve issues
plaguing the state and not “whip up sentiments that will aggravate the
problem.
“I
appeal to Amaechi to sheathe his sword so that we can defend our state
and this country with love, unity, patriotism and truth at all time.
“Hebrews 12:14 urges us to embrace peace with all men without which, we cannot see God.
“Amaechi
is my son, I cannot fight him and I cannot kill him. He shouldn’t be
used by outsiders against his own blood because this seat is vanity.
“One
day, no matter how long it takes, we will leave this seat. Power is not
forever. This seat is vanity, others sat here and left so one day I’ll
also leave and we will meet at home; so why should I fight him?
“Let’s
take it easy, face issues, leave non-existent matters, stop magnifying
lies and respect our leaders and people in authority. Let’s give peace a
chance,” she said.
Earlier,
Bishop God-Do-Well Awomapara, Chairman, Niger Delta Bishops Forum, who
led the delegation, said the visit was significant “in view of emerging
situations in our region.
“We are on a quest to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Rivers issue and mediate where necessary.”
No comments:
Post a Comment