Apostle Suleman Told Obaseki: Invest In Human Development

MICHAEL AKINOLA

The President and Senior Pastor, Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman has warmly counseled the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to make human development top of his agenda in order to maintain the sterling performance his administration has recorded in the last seven month that he came on the saddle hence the government may find itself still not appreciated at the end of the day.

Apostle Suleman gave the advice while playing host to the governor on Sunday June 4 at the Auchi, Edo State headquarters of the ministry.

“The error of governance is when it is premised on handout. When people come around the governor, they ask for money, they ask for this and that; yes, they would collect all the money that they have asked for but at the end of the day they would still come around and say the governor has not done anything. So, don’t be a government of handout,” Suleman warned.

The governor was on a thanksgiving visit to the Apostle and his congregation, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and the deputy governor, Mr. Phillip Shaibu.

Suleman, who confirmed in his statement that the Obaseki government indeed has scored a commendable percentage in building roads, providing health care and other infrastructures, said he believes the biggest project in which any government or leader can score a hundred percent and be commended for is human infrastructure.

“When a person starts to speak about projects, I would ask what the person’s agenda is for humans. And when I hear the person say job creation, I know that this is the person that feels the pulse of the state. Thank God for good roads, but you need to eat well to work on the roads. If a man says I’ll provide jobs, then you have to listen to a man like that,” the Apostle declared.

The “Oracle of God”, who said he believes that the governor as an economist, would surprise Edo State with more remarkable performances, however, advised him to carry along all Edo citizens irrespective of political and religion leanings.

His words: “In leadership, one must have the heart of a lion, the heart of a Christian and the head of a businessman. Never be predictable as a leader. When people expect you to pay evil with evil, disappoint them. Leadership is not a handout, it is not to create an impression; it is to create a future. Once a man assumes leadership, he will stop being political. Those that supported you and those that didn’t support you should be carried along in governance. That is what it takes to prosper.”

Speaking later, Governor Obaseki, on behalf of his team, expressed his joy for the reception.

He noted that he was at the service with his wife and deputy to worship and appreciate God for what God has done for Edo State, and to thank Apostle Suleman and his congregation for their support before, during and after the election that ushered in his team.

“You will recall that when we were campaigning, I came to this church three times. I came to pray with you and I asked you to intercede with God on our behalf. And I’m sure that it’s your prayers that have led us to Osadebey Avenue,” Obaseki said.

He continued, “If you recall, I also promised God and you that as soon as we get to Osadebey Avenue, we’d come and worship with you and thank Him for His glory. That is what we have come to do today. The task ahead of us to rebuild Edo State, to get Nigeria out of recession, is a lot. And we count on you and we hope that you will continue to have us in prayers so that this task can be made easy through prayers.”