The Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has received the backing of the Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly for a second term in office.
This is the hallmark of a Christian Summit tagged “Dominion Mandate Conference” organised by Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly in collaboration with the Fathers of Faith at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo.
Endorsing the governor, the President Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly, Arch. Bishop Cletus Bassey, said that God had risen in the church and would no more be silent.
He explained that the Church was involved in politics because of the need to enthrone good governance that would cater for the needs of the common man.
Bishop Bassey mentioned backstabbing, corruption, murder, occultist search for power and other vices as reasons which the Church distanced itself from politics.
He said that the emergence of Governor Udom Emmanuel into the political arena had changed the trend as he had held political position with the fear of God leading to the peace and progress enjoyed in the state.
The Cleric who described Governor Emmanuel as a worthy ambassador of the church, commended him for exhibiting strong Christian values in the administration of the state.
He added that “the Church cannot remain silent but publicly declare support for the second term bid for continuation of the good works he has started.”
He therefore called on Christians to be proactive in promoting that which is good and resist evil.
He stressed that “apathy, fence-sitting, and refusal to engage are not options for a biblical christian.”
Governor Emmanuel, while addressing the mamoth crowd of worshippers, expressed appreciation to the religious leaders for the endorsement.
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He said, “I am deeply moved and honoured by the outpouring of love and appreciation you have shown to me today and indeed since my inauguration on May 29, 2015.
“I want to commend the Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly for organising this two-day event tagged Dominion Mandate Conference and for finding me worthy of your resounding endorsement.
“I am sincerely grateful and humbled….. I stand here to thank you my dear Fathers of Faith from the bottom of my heart for buying into my vision for this state and pledging to work for my re-election to a second term.”
The governor who identified with the religious leaders commended them for the initiative of keying into politics,
“I am not afraid to show or profess my faith anywhere, anytime. I believe it is about time people of faith embraced politics and with one voice and one body change the layers of engagement in governance,” he said.
He enjoined the people to maximise their Christian disposition by using their strength and conviction to effect the needed change and bring about good governance in the state.
He added, “Akwa Ibom State is a decidedly Christian State and as such, we must demand and expect from our leaders a reflection of Godly values in their governance style.
“We must not be shy to use our strength and beliefs to effect change; we must not sit idly by, and allow certain entities who have relegated God to the background come to convince you that they are the right people to lead you; we must look through them, the friends they keep, the values and strength of character they exhibit and the way they feel towards the poor and the needy.”
Governor Emmanuel enumerated the programmes of his administration to include roads rehabilitation across the state; refurbishment and equipping hospitals in the three Senatorial Districts of the state; free medical care through FEReP; payment of six million naira for WAEC fees; free education; investment in agriculture and setting up of fertilizer blending plant which has begun a test run; empowerment programmes for the youths; provision of interest free loan to traders and small and medium scale business operators.
He reiterated commitment to building the International Worship Centre and a twenty one storey building to facilitate relocation of International Corporate Organisations operating in the state.
These accomplishments, the governor said, were no mean feat in view of economic recession that plagued the country at the start of the administration.
He particularly commended the Church for partnering the state administration, pledging to sustain the current development blueprint.
Earlier, the Guest Minister, Dr. Mensa Otabil, charged Christians not to relegate themselves to the background or allow themselves to be overwhelmed by the quest for political power.
The preacher said that every Christian was charged with the dominion mandate, recalled the story of Joseph who rose to the position of a prime minister and condemned the lacklustre approach of Christians to politics.
He urged all to rise to a change of level by a renewal of thoughts, focus and attitudes in order to improve the situation.
He charged Christians to expose themselves to right information to enable them actualise the divine mandate.
He lauded Governor Emmanuel for partnering the Church, the landmark infrastructure as well as the industralisation drive of his administration and expressed optimism that his record of achievements would speak for his continuity in office.
Eminent personalities including Ekiti State Governor Mr Ayodele Fayose; Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Onofiok Luke; State Executive Council members, religious leaders and people from all walks of life graced the occasion.
