Presbyterian Church To Introduce Electoral Reforms, Elects New Prelate In Calabar

From Idongesit Inyang

CROSS RIVER

The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria says it will immediately commence the process of electoral reforms to ensure that election of any officer of the Church is done strictlyin accordance with the Presbyterian watchword.

 The new Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly, His Eminence Ekpenyong Nyong Akpanika, PhD, disclosed this in his acceptance speech after the election that produced him as the Presbyterian helmsman, recently, in Calabar.

 He said, “Permit me to say that the process that produced us as the principal officers of our 

Church to my mind has left much to be desired.”

 According to him, “This is because it involved several ungodly manners, unchristian tendencies, unethical practices and very many unspiritual methods.”

 Akpanika noted that there is urgent need to pursue peace in the Church and the necessity of mending fences, building bridges across many divides as a way of building synergy and blocking leakages, which hitherto militated against the growth of the Church. 

 Hear him, “Suffice me to state here that concerted efforts will be put in place to hit the ground running in this regard.Therefore, I will liaise with other principal officers to immediately commence the process of electoral reform.

 This will engage deep discussion and reflections from members of the GAEC and ensure that the next election of any Officer of the Church is done strictly in accordance with the Presbyterian watchword.

 This, he further said, will be in worship, dignity, decency and orderliness enjoining all the commissioners, regardless of who they supported before the election, to close all ranks and consider the victory as victory for all, as no one will be sidelined.

 He said that no Presbyterian, Minister or Elder will be discriminated against as a result of his or her affiliation before or after the election stating that in every Presbyterian election, “we will live above board and to the glory of God and endeavour to be a living example of the Biblical model of leadership process.”

 While emphasising on the importance of unity among the principal officers, he said this cannot be overemphasized,promising to work cordially with the PC, the DC and all other 

administrative staff in promoting the peace and unity of the Church.