Ex-Governor Peter Gregory Obi has advised Governor Alex Otti to do his best to cater for the needs of the poor in Abia in his budgeting and planning, urging him to “let the rich be annoyed.”

The Labour Party candidate in the February 25 presidential poll stated this on Sunday at an interdenominational open-air thanksgiving service at the Trademore Event Centre in Umuahia.

“Let the poor be happy, let the rich be annoyed and let the pensioners have a sense of belonging, and the civil servants feel that they are working for Abia,” Mr Obi told the Abia governor.

The ex-Anambra governor urged Mr Otti to be conscious that the grace of God played a significant role in his electoral victory.

“We have all voted for you to become governor, but remember it was only possible by His grace and do not abuse the grace of God. In all your actions, budgeting and planning, look at the poor masses because people have suffered enough,” Mr Obi advised. 

The former Anambra governor called on the Abia people to pray for the nation to improve.

In a sermon, the lead pastor of Streams of Joy, Jerry Eze, described the service as indicating that Abia had embarked on “a journey to wholeness” after it healed.

He likened Abia to one of the 10 lepers that returned to thank Jesus for healing him and, after that, was made whole.

Mr Eze prayed to God to grant the new administration the wherewithal to record significant achievements at all levels and to drive socio-economic growth in Abia.

Prayers were offered for the governor and his wife, Priscilla, and Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife, Adaeze.

The event was attended by the head of service, Onyii Wamah, permanent secretaries, heads of some security agencies, Labour Party chieftains in Abia LP, religious leaders and members of CAN. 

(NAN)