UYO
The president general of Fathers In Faith for Good Governance has urged the peace loving and development-centric citizens of Akwa Ibom to rally behind the candidature of the commissioner for lands and water resources, Pastor Umo Eno, for the 2023 gubernatorial office.
Prelate Isaiah Issong, who described Pastor Umo Eno, the most generally accepted aspirant to the coveted seat, as God’s best gift to the state, declared that the choice of Pastor Umo Eno was divine and irreversible.
Issong, who is known for his astuteness and courageous stance on multilateral issues affecting the wellbeing of Akwa Ibomites, peace and development of the state, stated this during a prayer rally held at the State Secretariat of Fathers In Faith for Good Governance, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Thursday 24 February, 2022.
According to Issong, the Church in Akwa Ibom has been praying for God to reveal a leader after his own heart, who will not only ensure peace and development but lead the state with the fear of God, adding that Pastor Umo Eno was God’s answer to believers’ prayers.
The Church, he noted, will stand firm with Governor Udom Emmanuel in the task of working towards the fulfilment of Pastor Umo Eno’s candidature as the governor of Akwa Ibom,submitting that supports for the governor’s choice successor invariably amounted to supports for peace, industrialization, infrastructural development and wealth creation.
Urging pastors across denominations to back the governor’s succession plan, he pleaded with politicians and their supporters to avoid inflammatory remarks that may heighten tension in the polity, as the state prepares for the forth coming elections.
In his admonition anchored on 2 Corinthians 6:3, “Giving no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed,” the erudite clergy said: “We must play our politics without offense. We must not fight one another because we are all Akwa Ibomites.”
He charged pastors to become healers of frayed nerves, woo and convert those peddling with hates and derogatory to preach peace.
His words: “Whoever insults you, give him salt; no matter the offenses. We must play politics God’s way, not the way theworld plays politics. When you’re insulted, don’t insult back but use supple expressions in most simple approach. This way you will have done the will of God as peacemakers.”
Issong, who is also a frontline leader of the World’s Peace Ambassadors, and has played a leading role in resolving communal and cult-related conflicts that took many lives, particularly in Ika and Ukanafun areas of the state, emphasized that Akwa Ibomites, especially political officeaspirants, must pledge commitment to peace and harmonious relationship, despite political differences.
According to him, members of the Fathers In Faith for Good Governance should not let offenses deter them but remain resolute in their vow to stand with the governor of Akwa Ibom, Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda and succession plan, adding: “We are for peace and good governance. We are precursors and propagators of harmonious living. We are tenacious, courageous and unbending in our support and prayers for Deacon Udom Emmanuel and Pastor Umo because God will not disappoint us.”
Besides holding regular prayer rallies and advocacies for good governance, he said the movement, which has established chapters in Cross River, Rivers and the United States, was up to re-Christianize Akwa Ibom Christians to hold firmly the moral tenets of salvation and exhibit exemplary character of true believers.
Meanwhile, the prayer rally organized by the central office of the body was attended by senatorial district leaders, local government area coordinators and officials, women and youth leaders.
Several pastors, including Apostle Sam Essien and Pastor Victor UkoAbasi, took turns to pray for the success of Pastor Umo Eno’s candidature at the party delegate election, as he continues consultations across the state.
Archbishop Udeme Simon, leader of Uyo District wrapped up prayers against deaths of young pastors in the land.
The occasion also featured speeches, advocacies by central women leader, Dr Edo Ekanem, director of mobilization and strategy, Dr. Hilkiah Eliathah and Central Youth Leader, Rev. Emem Jacob.
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