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The Archbishop of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie says that the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili should aspire higher.....
The Archbishop of Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie says that the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili should aspire higher to lead the country following his track record of performance in office.
Cardinal Okogie, who stated this yesterday during a luncheon hosted in his honour by the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili at Government House, Port Harcourt, said his visit to Rivers State has opened his eyes to the things he has heard and read about Dr. Odili's administration.
'I am in no way surprised to find these things here because having read a lot about Gov Odili, I am in no doubt that if given a third chance, he will transform the state. Since the idea of a third term for governors is ruled out, all he (Odili) has to do is to aspire to go higher in 2007", Okogie said.
He noted that anyone who is aspiring to lead the country must embark on some of the people-oriented projects of Governor Odili such as the new Government House, new state House of Assembly Complex and the giant Independent Power Project, which clearly mark him out among his peers.
'I have seen things which I thought can only be found in Europe. The House of Assembly, and the gas turbine stations are projects which I think anyone who is going to lead the country should try to embark upon" he said.
The religious leader disclosed that some of the projects the Governor Odili-administration has executed are significant for growth, and lauded him for touching the lives of the people resident in Rivers State, saying that that appropriately qualifies him to aspire for higher position in the land.
Cardinal Okogie, stated that he now appreciates why Governor Odili was the envy of others, and advised him to anchor his hope on God and make Him his guide, noting that ''as you do that, you will achieve you heart desires".
The religious leader described his visit to Rivers State as 'a visit with a difference", and commended Governor Odili for the support his administration has given to the churches and the work of God throughout the country.
'Today, I can say, I have come, seen and I have conquered in all the things that I have been able to see, the beautiful work the Rivers State Government and his generosity is beyond Rivers State and that is why his brother governors are envious of him", he said.
Earlier, the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, had thanked Cardinal Okogie for the visit, which opens a new vista of relationship between the state and religious leaders.
Governor Odili used the opportunity to reiterate the need for the churches to work in synergy with the government, stressing that with the pedigree of the cardinal, he was sure he would strengthen the vanguard of this relationship.
Dr. Odili explained that the laity needs the clergy men and vice versa to bring man, who was born imperfect, to appreciate the essence of God's creation, and therefore solicited for moral re-orientation for the growth of society.
He expressed regret that he could not participate in the activities marking the cardinal's 70th birthday celebration, and prayed God to bless and strengthen him to continue to perform useful services to mankind and society.
He used the occasion to wish Cardinal Okogie, who is also the Archbishop of Lagos, a happy 70th birthday anniversary in an event attended by top state government functionaries.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Okogie, had celebrated mass at the Government House Chapel, where he charged Christians to love one another because irrespective of religion, God created human beings without choice of their parents and place of birth.