Afric-TV Net 24 - Zamfara
AfricCon TV Blogs - Report In Abuja
President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, were among the dignitaries that honoured the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees’ Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih yesterday.
The occasion was the thanksgiving service in honour of Chief Anenih, who was celebrating his 80th birthday anniversary at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja.
Also in attendance at the thanksgiving service was the former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, and the former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The officiating minister, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, centered his message on greed and covetousness. Reading from the book of Luke, Chapter 12, Onaiyekan titled his message: “The things you have prepared, whose will they be”?
He said at that time, one of the multitude said to Jesus; “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” But Jesus said to him; “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you”? And he said to them; “Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Another reading was also taken from the book of Colossians, Chapter 3, and the sermon, titled: “Set your mind on things that are above, where Christ is.” The scripture reads in part: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Preaching the word, he told the leaders to do something about the pensioners whose entitlements are denied them.
According to him, people should be on their guide in other not to fall into avarice and greed.
“If you avoid selfness and greed you will be able to do the will of God. As we celebrate, let us remember our brothers and sisters who always wonder whether there is anything to celebrate,” he said.
In his remark at the occasion, Chief Anenih urged Nigerian leaders to learn to forgive in order to build a united nation.
He said: “The leaders are gathered here today and that is why we have asked ourselves, why can’t we forget the past and move forward. I must confess that I was thrilled that President Obasanjo came to the church today.
“This is the kind of forgiveness leaders have to show for the country to move forward.
“Former Heads of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Ibrahim Babangida are here, they can give us peace. I believe that if all of us here put our hands behind him (President Jonathan) and genuinely advise him even our worst enemy, Boko Haram will be afraid,” Anenih said.
Other dignitaries at the thanksgiving service were the Senate President, David Mark, Governors of Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Anambra and Delta States.
Also in attendance were members of the Federal Executive Council, including the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the National Security Adviser that led other heads of the security agencies.
While former President Obasanjo arrived at about 12.29pm, President Jonathan and his wife came in at 12:37pm.
Other men of God at the occasion are the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor; Bishop Augustine Akubeze, Bishop Bagobiri, Bishop Mathew Kukah and others.
