Chief Martin Orim, Chairman of the GFO Orim Foundation and former Governor’s Chief of Staff, has described the Cross River State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon Sylvester Agabi as a humble and committed gentleman.
Chief Martin Orim made this known during Hon. Sylvester Agabi’s Thanksgiving Ceremony at Nkirira-Utuguang, Obudu Local Government Area, following his election to the Cross River State House of Assembly and subsequent election as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
According to the Father of the Day, Chief Martin Orim, humility brings acceptance and love, and it can break down barriers, encourage support, and propel you to heights you never imagined. He said that if you are arrogant, you will lose fellowship and love.
Chief Martin Orim praised Honourable Agabi as a wonderful person. “Agabi has been with me, helping me with errands, but during Governor Ayade’s first term, he was unintentionally overlooked. However, after meeting with the governor at the Ranch Resort during the second term, he was given consideration and was paid two years’ worth of arrears upon appointment by the former governor.”
Chief Orim also stated that when it came time for the State House of Assembly election in Obudu, the then-governor asked him to bring forward his ‘boy’ Agabi, whom he described as the humble and loyal guy he met at the ranch resort some time ago. He stated that he is now the Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, rather than an ordinary House of Assembly member.
Orim went further to explained that once God’s grace is with you, He will cause men to bend the rules for you and can prevent others from blessing you before opening doors for others, citing Agabi’s Deputy Speakership as an example.
The Father of the Day further donated 1 million naira for the construction of a new church as proposed by Hon Agabi, and urged attendees to always pray for God’s grace in their lives and daily endeavours, stating that he is a product of grace and therefore does not take giving back to society lightly. He went on to say that he is not giving because he wants to show off, but because we have so little, we must learn to share. When you share, you remain a never-dry fountain.
The celebrant, the Deputy Speaker, earlier in his speech praised Chief Martin Orim for his mentorship, leadership, and role in ensuring his election to become the House of Assembly member and later as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. He also recounted how naysayers had encouraged him to oppose his Chief Orim after becoming Deputy Speaker, but he ignored them and continued to be completely loyal to his political master, Chief Martin Orim.
Hon Agabi also used the Thanksgiving Ceremony as an opportunity to lunch the David Agabi Foundation (DAF), a none governmental organization birthed in memory of his late senior brother, who had a vision of building a church for God but could not achieve it due to untimely death. Agabi noted, that for the mercy and grace that has kept him alive, and has led Chief Martin Orim to nuture him to becoming the Deputy Speaker, he will build the church for Christ.
Prominently in attendance were the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey Odinga (represented Governor Bassey Otu), Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Deputy Speaker of Enugu, Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State, Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Higgins Peters, Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo, Dr Beatrice Igwe (Commissioner for Housing), Dr Marcellus Angioha (Commissioner for Industries), Dr Justin Beshel (Commissioner for Science and Technology), Mr Mike Odere (Commissioner for Finance).
The House of Assembly members in attendance include Rt Hon. Davies Etta, Hon. Thomas Aruku, Hon. Brian Odey, Congressman Omang Omang, Hon. Bette Obi, Hon. Kingsley Ntui, Hon. Okong Owuna, Hon. Neji Abang, and Hon. Stanley Nsemo.
The APC Chapter Chairmen of Obanliku and Bekwara, Chief Sunny Ayang, Chief Mary Ekpere, Hon Mike Usibe, Chief Tony Undiandeye, Chief PJ Ekunke, Mr Godwin Undeshi, Mr Isaac Ishamali, Mr Phydel Aben, Mr Boniface Ishamali, Mr. Francis Ekpo, and numerous other dignitaries from both inside and outside the state were also in attendance.
