Terror: Bayelsa Deputy Governor Condemns Attack on Ogunboss Building

... Preaches Against Cultism

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo on Sunday condemned the recent attempt to destroy the life of Mr Paul Eris, popularly known as OgunBoss, which culminated in the burning down of the former militant's Peremabiri residence.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after worshipping at St Paul's Catholic Church, Ofoni in Sagbama Local Government Area, Senator Ewhrudjakpo expressed displeasure over the Christmas Day morning attack, stressing the need for people to respect the sanctity of life.

According to the Deputy Governor, the Senator Douye Diri-led government does not believe in violence and is therefore poise to work with security agencies at all times to deal decisively with those who promote terror and insecurity.

His words, "I want to use this opportunity to condemn in strong terms the attack on the house of Mr Paul Eris, popularly known as OgunBoss. In this government, we do not believe in violence and will continue to do everything possible to fight against it.

"We believe that no acrimony should get to the level of going to burn or destroy people's property or lives. Nobody can create a life. So, I condemn that action and pray that as we go into the new year, peace will reign in our families, communities, state and our country."

Commenting on a present given to him by the Catholic Women Organization of the Church, Senator Ewhrudjakpo described the gift as symbolic and called for the unity of the family.

He urged husbands, wives and children to imbibe the virtues of love and obedience with a view to building a virile family in particular and society at large.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo used the opportunity to thank Bayelsans for their prayers, support and peaceful disposition before, during and after the recent senatorial bye-elections in the state.

He said, "Let me again, thank the people of Bayelsa and particularly the Ofoni community for the support they gave to the Peoples Democratic Party during the last Senatorial bye-election. 

"You are aware that Ofoni community posted the highest result in the whole of Bayelsa West which is second to the one posted by Yenagoa. So, I thank the people for their solidarity, prayers and support and urge them to continue doing so."

Making the presentation, the Secretary, Catholic Women Organization in the Diaspora, Lady Ann Siakpere, acknowledged the humility of the Deputy Governor and his contributions to the growth of the Church.

Earlier in his reflection, Reverend Father Urhie Matthew, enjoined Christians to be faithful and dedicated to the service of God and humanity, regardless of the seemingly insurmountable challenges of life as exemplified by Abraham in the Bible.

The clergyman, who spoke on the topic, "Imitate the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus in Faith," also implored Christians to avoid committing what he calls the seven capital sins, which include pride, covetousness, lust and envy.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has warned youths of the state to shun cultism and other criminal activities that can only jeopardize their destinies.

He made the call over the weekend when a delegation of the National Advanced Students Union of Ofoni (NASUO) led by its President, Miss Opere Faith-Sapele, paid him a solidarity visit in his Ofoni residence.