Cynthia Ezegwu
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, has expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life despite surviving kidnapping and assassination attempts in past years.
Amaewhule spoke during his 52nd birthday thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the All Saints Anglican Church, Eliozu, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The Speaker told the congregation that his birthday was not just a celebration of age but an acknowledgement of God’s protection in the face of multiple threats to his life.
Recounting one of the harrowing experiences in 2008, Amaewhule said he was abducted by unidentified gunmen shortly after attending a Sunday church service.
“Some of you were here in 2008 when a preacher was preaching right here on a Sunday service. I didn’t know the people who came to kidnap me were also in the service. After the service, they followed me to my residence, tied up my security guard, and abducted me,” he recalled.
Amaewhule narrated that he was held hostage for five days in a forest, where he suffered injuries and was fed only biscuits while being moved from one hideout to another.
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“They placed thorns under my feet and inflicted several injuries on my head and body. I almost bled to death,” he said.
The Speaker, however, said he remained grateful to God for his protection, blessings, and guidance over the years.
“When God does things for you, it is important to appreciate Him for more,” Amaewhule added.