Konbowei Benson, the Speaker, Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who is worried by the spate of kidnappings, militancy, killings, illegal oil bunkering and other criminal activities in his constituency, has hired the services of a cleric to heal the land.
According to Saturday Punch, the Speaker, who represents Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 in the State Assembly, explained that plans had reached advanced stage for the people of the constituency to play host to a popular pastor, Rev. Uma Ukpai, for a three-day crusade aimed at cleansing and healing the land.
Benson, was quoted in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Aotendeike Boloigha, as saying the reason for the “cleansing and healing” crusade was to change the negative narratives of his community.
He reportedly spoke while addressing heads of clans, paramount rulers and chairmen of Community Development Committees of the 29 communities in the constituency.
Benson said, “Travelling to our once very peaceful environment is now done only with the presence of heavily armed military men, even traditional and social functions are not left out; an ugly trend that has made everyone a victim and vulnerable.
“It is worrisome that in the quest to acquire powers of invincibility, youths from the region have transported many idols, evil deities from other parts of the country to the region and entered into covenants with them without taking into account the effects on their spirituality and relationship with God. This has increased idolatry and unexplainable lifestyle in the land.”
Emphasising the need for the healing of the land, Benson said he decided to engage the “man of God”, Ukpai, who agreed to hold the crusade, saying its intent was to put a stop to all the criminal activities in the region by divine intervention.
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