Ndifreke P. Akpan (Govt House)
Fathers of Faith in Akwa Ibom have proclaimed and pronounced blessings on Governor Udom Emmanuel, and have routed support for him ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state.
The group, made up of state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Dr Ndueso Ekwere, State Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, former State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey, and other top anointed men of God, took the position during a Special Interactive Banquet with Governor Emmanuel.
The Prelate Emeritus, Dr Sunday Mbang while announcing the resolution at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo on Thursday November 23, 2017 charged the church leaders who stood up in affirmation of the decision to talk about their resolve from their different pulpits.
He noted that the Governor was sent by God to take the people out of the hood to a place of honour saying that the church owes the Governor prayer support which he insisted was a debt that must be paid.
Dr Mbang, a one time National Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, advised church leaders to speak out on issues bothering them adding that one of the things that endears him to Governor Udom is his transparent Christianity.
Rev Dr Uma Ukpai who spoke earlier said apart from declaring Governor Emmanuel as their candidate for 2019, he wanted God to increase his level of anointing.
Arch Bishop Bassey made references to achievements of the Governor and said that the church leaders were meeting as a family to renew the state and charged the Governor not to stumble.
Dr Uma Ukpai thanked the Governor for accepting to serve the people and added that, "I believe you were sent by God to transform our economy from an ordinary economy to an Industrialized economy".
While declaring the purpose for the meeting, Arch Bishop Cletus Bassey said the church produced Mr Emmanuel not only as a great Governor but also as a worthy Ambassador to the church and as such will not be allowed to work alone.
In his reaction, the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel who said it was one of the most amazing days in the journey of his life described the event as overwhelming and unprecedented.
The State Chairman of CAN, Rev Ndueso Ekwere while setting the tone for the meeting said, "it was a day the Fathers of Faith needed to tell the intelligent, amiable, knowledgeable, erudite, impacftul and industry-driven Governor of Akwa Ibom that they love him.”
The CAN Chairman who said a job well done means more work to be done, gave assurance of support and explained that plans were underway for a large crowd of christian faithful to converge and announce the Governor adding that the church which brought him is still standing by him.
The Governor who said he was not informed about what transpired during the meeting expressed so much appreciation to CAN, PFN and other christian blocks with a promise to invite the gathering shortly to bare his mind.
Governor Emmanuel thanked the body of Christ for the proclamation and noted that it calls for a high level of responsibility on his part and that of the state government.
He restated the commitment to do everything in line with life principles and the core values of the society as he continues in his service to the state with all amount of sincerity.
Speaking further, the Governor said "I want to promise the Christian body that I will uphold the tenets of those teachings that we were given and uphold the banner of Christ. As Christians, we must also leave a mark so that even when we are gone, we should be able to leave some things behind".
The event whose major highlight was the proclamation of Governor Emmanuel as Akwa Ibom Christians’ candidate for the 2019 Gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom, also featured question and answer session, presentation of gifts and prayer to the Governor by a retinue of notable men of God.
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