…Says, I’m A Fulfilled Politician
Former Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Evans Bapakaye Bipi has declared that his political journey of twelve years, representing the people of Ogu/Bolo State Constituency at the Assembly had been a huge success and dream fulfilled.
Rt. Hon Bipi who made the declaration while speaking in a special family Thanksgiving ceremony at St. Martin’s Anglican Church, Ogu in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area on Sunday, said he left no one in doubt that his dedication to politics had borne fruit, fulfilling his aspirations and leaving a lasting legacy in the State House of Assembly.
He expressed deep appreciation to the people of Ogu/Bolo and the entire Rivers State for their unwavering support throughout his terms in the Assembly.
“My journey in the Rivers State House of Assembly has been a privilege and an honor. I am profoundly grateful to the people of Ogu/Bolo Constituency for entrusting me with their representation for three terms (12 years).
“Together, we have achieved significant milestones, and I hereby offer myself for future endeavors, for the betterment of our community”.
The former lawmaker said his tenure which spanned over a decade, has seen him champion various legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people of Ogu and Bolo.
He however, stated that the fulfillment of his political dreams would not be possible but for God, “who is the lifter of men, and the sustained support of some well-meaning individuals used by God to create pathway in my destiny”.
In a show of heart full of gratitude, Rt. Hon. Bipi who served as House Committee Chairman on Public Complaints and Petitions during the 12-year tenure, seized the momentum to shower encomiums on former Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike whom he said, was instrumental in his journey to the Assembly.
“It is pertinent to state that the former Governor was not just instrumental in my election and re-elections, he graciously granted approvals while in office which enabled me attracted and executed several critical people-oriented projects in my constituency”, he said.
The former Assembly Chief Whip who was accompanied to the ceremony by his wife, children, friends and associates, recounted the challenges and triumphs of his tenure, emphasizing, by God’s grace, the positive changes he was able to bring to Ogu Bolo during his time in office.
“Let me also use this medium to acknowledge and express my deepest appreciation to the political Leaders of Ogu/Bolo particularly the brand new Executive Director of Finance and Administration of NDDC, Chief Boma Iyaye as well as Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Women and Youth Leaders of the LGA”, he said, even as he also gave kudos to women of Ogu Bolo for the invaluable role played in ensuring his victory during the 2019 Assembly polls.
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt. Rev Enoch Atuboyedia, charged Christians to uphold God’s ‘covenant of sure mercies’, which he ascribed to the success recorded by Bibi in course of his service to the people.
“God has given us an invite to a life of abundance. But we should do things that please God, so we can earn the covenant. There is no neutrality as far as covenant is concerned. You either enter covenant with God or with Satan”, the clergyman declared.
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Highlight of the occasion was classical renditions by Mr. Stanford Kalaiyo and Hon Tekena, not leaving out the beautiful Anthem presentation by the St. Martin’s Anglican Church Choir.
The special family thanksgiving service was attended by several dignitaries, including current and former colleagues from the Rivers State House of Assembly, community leaders, and well-wishers.