IGBAKPA A THANKUL THANKSGIVER.
When is a thank you visit cum rolling out empowerment packages for constituents properly so called? Igbakpa’s testimony was a testimony to the elasticity of the idea of grateful heart. Igbakpa said: “I am Ben Rollands Igbakpa, from that unknown village in Oghara and today by the grace of God, I am the member representing the good people of Ethiope East and West at the Green Chambers, I started this race with the support of my people, their supports propelled me never to give up even when major political players never wanted me, but my people supports and grace of God took me this far.”
“We went to the primaries, we won and we faced the main election we also won, but those who do not sow want to reap from where they did not sow. I was in America when they gave their kangaroo judgement, I was never moved by their judgment because I know God has not spoken.”
“When I returned from America, we approached Appeal Court and my people went into prayers and fasting while our oppressors who believed that they would use their political influence to oppress us were busy bursting”
“Very early on the judgment day, i went down on my knees, told God that if the voice of men is voice of God, then prove yourself in my case, so I took my bath from where I lodged and I drove out, while I driving out, there were tension everywhere, my car air condition was at its peak yet I was sweating profusely.”
“In a short while I got a short watsapp message that I just won my Appeal case, before I got to the venue my people has taken over the premises, the ever busy Warri/Benin road was taken over my people. And I asked myself if I have lost in the judgement, what would be the faith of my people?”
“I have said it over and again that my political sojourn is fashioned by God, directed by God, sealed, acknowledged and blessed by God. I believe that since the day I was born. Like what said, when this whole commotion started, what was most painful to me was the pain and suffering that my people were going through, they prayed, fasted and God asked our prayers.”
It is unsurprising Igbakpa brought God into the picture while giving his testimony; thanksgivers usually bring God into it when they express their thankfulness. But it is not surprise Igbakpa mentioned God because he has demonstrated God consciousness, being a core Baptist like this writer, taken his people as a mover of his election before, during and after the election, they were never deterred the enemy came wanting to reap from where they did not sow.
Igbakpa continued at Channel of Greatness Church A.K.A Unshakeable in Sapele: “ I have forgiven my oppressors, I have forgiven my elder brother, Halims Agoda despite the pains he caused our people.”
Igbakpa also said: “So, when I reflect, it gives me joy that all your prayers, God has answered them… If I am to give testimony of my political journey, we will not leave here… The only testimony that I have is the fact that we won the battle. And again, I say that I never had any doubt in my mind that I would win even when people was putting pressure on me to cut short my vacation to America when I still have six days to stay….”
Igbakpa testimony has no doubt rekindled my hope that good things does not come easy and being a man with a grateful heart rolled out his empowerment packages where he empowered over 120 constituents in his first phase of his empowerment package as a mark of appreciation to his constituents for their unwavering supports.
Findings has revealed that this is the first in the history of Ethiope Federal constituency where Federal law maker would come back to every ward to express gratitude to the people, it further goes to show that capable hands should be elected/appointed into political positions to bring dividend of democracy back to the people. Igbakpa has just proved that he is a servant of his people not some bigots who assume political position and expect the people to worship them.
Igbakpa voice at the Green Chambers would be said to be very loud, leaving people with the question ‘So first time member can have a voice like this?’ The man called Igbakpa haven knowing the three basic functions of a law maker swung into action and the result abound.
People like Rep Ben Rollands Igbakpa should be given greater political responsibilities to explore his potential. Igbakpa dey work, we dey see am.
Kparobo Ehvwubare
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