Christians and those in position of trust have been called upon to see it as a platform to affect lives positively rather than oppress the disadvantaged ones.
The Parish Priest of Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church Illah, Rev’d Fr. Steve-Mario Edward, made the call today in a homily delivered during the thanksgiving Mass for Mrs Eunice Ifeajika, mother of the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Mr Olisa Ifeajika.
Fr. Edward said people in authority must realise that every position they occupy is temporary and must be used for the good of the people.
He said that some people use their position of authority to oppress others but such persons should know that no position of authority is permanent.
Quoting from Luke 16 verse 9, the cleric urged people in authority to use their office, no matter how unfavourable, to assist others so that when they leave people will still reckon with them.
He said, “Any position you occupy is not permanent but know that you can’t be there forever
“Use your money and position no matter how tainted it may be to win friends while you are in the position because they will be the ones to welcome you back when you are out of office.
“As a teacher, do you oppress your students? Or as a politician do you oppress the people you represent? It is on record that many successful students today have helped their teachers who were nice to them while they were in school.
“We live in a world full of human frailties but those who put their trust in God and do the right thing with their position will always triumph at the end of the day.”
In an interview with newsmen after the thanksgiving service, Ifeajika thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the church for standing with them during the funeral rites of their mother.
He said the late Mrs Eunice Ifeajika was a mother to all and would be greatly missed by all those whose lives she impacted tremendously.
Ifeajika said, “If you read the tribute not just mine but from so many people you will see that she was everybody’s mother. She taught us humility and service to humanity and we will ever remain grateful for her tutelage.
“I thank the Church, my boss Governor Ifeanyi and others who came to honour us during the funeral rites of our dear mother.It is my prayer and members of the family that God bless you all as you have come to celebrate with us.”
Pix 1. Chairman, Board of Directors, (DBS), Asaba Mr. Felix Ofou (right); Chief Press Secretary Delta Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika (left) ,his wife, Nerissa, during the Thanksgiving Service in honuor of late. Mrs. Eunice Ifeajika (CPS’ mother) at Illah, Delta State. Sunday23/8/20 .PIX:
Pix3: From(left)the Chief PRESS Secretary to Delta Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika Rev’d father Vincent Mokwunye of the Twelve Apostles Parish , Abuja (middle) and Mrs. Theresa Isiakpana(right) and others during the Thanksgiving Service in honour of late Mrs Eunice Ifeajika (CPS’ mother ) at Illah, Delta State. Sunday 23/8/20. Pix. JIBUNOR SAMUEL
Pix 4. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika (middle); his wife, Nerissa Ifeajika(left) and Mrs. Helen Oseni, during the Thanksgiving Service in honour of late. Mrs. Eunice Ifeajika ( CPS’ mother) at Illah, Delta State Sunday.23/8/20. PIX: JIBUNOR SAMUE