By Sam Eyoboka

THE Christ Missionaries Crusaders International Church, Ekpan in Delta State last Sunday played host to prominent politicians and trad-itional rulers from different parts of the state for a special thanks-giving service in honour of former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, reports Sam Eyoboka.

The service, according to the chairman of South South CAN and presiding archbishop of the church, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, was in fulfilment of his vow to God when he visited Ibori in his London prison, explaining that when he visited the former Delta State governor in prison to pray with him, “he told me to tell his people back home that he will return.

FROM LEFT HRM.NOBLE OYIBO ESHEMITAN OREFE 111 OVIE OF OGHARA,CHIEF JAMES IBORI AND HON.ERHIATEAKE IBORI

“As l walked out of the prison, I picked seven stones from the prison and prayed, telling God that if He allows Ibori to return to Nigeria sound and safe, l will honour Him with a special thank-sgiving service,” Avwomakpa said, calling on Christians to always remember to fulfill their vows to God in order to provoke God to do more wonders in their lives.

In his sermon tagged “After darkness comes light,” Bishop Effiong Edet, from Cross River State described Chief lbori as a man who stood by the Church and brought government closer to it, noting that the former governor brought peace to Delta State just as he fought for the entire Niger Delta region.

The programme which marked the end of a 21-day fasting and prayers was attended by Senator Dino Meleye, former Delta State deputy governor, Prof. Amos Utu-ama, Prof. G. G Darah and chair-man of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi of Owa amongst others.

Special prayers were offered to God by Archbishop Avwomakpa, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Obi of Owa, Bishop Frank Aghoghovwia, Rev. William Avwomakpa, among-st others for the peace and unity of Nigeria as well as the restorat-ion of Delta Steel Complex, Aladja.

Thanking the church for the special thanksgiving service, Chief Ibori in a brief remark, pleaded with church leaders to stand in the gap continually for the peace and unity of Nigeria. The former governor who turns 58 on August 4 also asked the church to pray for him.