Sunday 28th January 2024 have gone down the annals of St Benedict Cathedral Ogoja as Thanksgiving Day for the reclamation of the mandate of Hon. Engr Thomas Aruku after the Appeal Court verdict. Like the biblical Ten Lepers only one returned to give thanks for his healing. It’s remarkable because dignitaries from all walks of life and political leanings turned out in their numbers to honor and support the Member representing Ogoja State Constituency in thanking God.
Prominent dignitaries who turned up for the Thanksgiving Mass are the Speaker Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Chief Dr Peter Ojie, Former Chief of Staff to Governor Ben Ayade Chief Martins Orim, Dr Ikani Wogar, Engr Tom Modey, Hon. Paddy Uguge, Hon. Lebo Lebo, Commissioners of Empowerment and Wealth Creation, Information and Power, former State House Members, former Chairmen of Council Chief Sylvanus Idam and Hon. Emmanuel Ishabor, Traditional Rulers, Abon Anfam Age Grade, APC and PDP leaders alike.
Hon. Engr Thomas Aruku used the occasion to donate one million naira for internal repairs of St Benedict’s Cathedral Ogoja, a gesture which triggered his friends to join him in donations. As Speaker Rt Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker, Cross River State Executive Members, and former Yala LG Chairman Hon. Mike Usibe and friends donated generously.
Friends and acolytes who attended from the other side of the political divide is a testament that Hon. Engr Thomas Aruku is a grassroots politician that honors friendship irrespective of tribe or religion.
The reception which was held at the TTC Field Ogoja climaxed with a Resilient Leadership Award from Concerned Friends Initiative of Thomas Aruku, a dance performance by Ikajor Dance Group, and presentation of a portrait by the Nigeria Society of Engineers.
