By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Leaders and youths of African Church in Akwa Ibom last weekend in Uyo declared their support for the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Pastor Umoh Eno.
At at a solemn assembly organised by various youth formations of the church they said they took the decision not only because of Eno’s competence and capacity but because of his Godly virtues and peaceful dispositions.
At the occasion, the emeretus Primate of the African Church, Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia urged Christians especially those in politics not to be discouraged by criticisms and attacks saying that when a Christian is in God’s plan to rescue mankind, he would be faced with persecutions.
“If you make yourself available to serve the people, be ready to face persecutions, be ready to face obstacles but have this at the back of your mind, if you are in plans of the Almighty God, you will surely come out victorious. Anyone on the right path to fulfill God’s purpose is bound to face opposition.” Udofia said.
He urged Eno to be guided by the promises he made to the people of the state and to remember that the Churches’ support for his election should be rewarded with the type of governance that would bring peace and development to the state.
Provincial youth president, Mr Enobong Oku charged the youths not to sit on the fence and miss the opportunity of choosing a God fearing man who has the capacity to provide employment to the youths as he was doing even before seeking the office of a governor.
Oku said the church would not afford to go back to the era of intimidations and politically motivated killings recalling that a member of the African Church was killed in the past due to his parallel views of the government of the day.
While assuring the support of the from the 26 out of 31 local government areas of the state where the church is sited, the president said the time has come for the youths to change their destiny in their hands.
“In the previous administration, a member of the African Church was gruesomely murdered in church. It is against this backdrop that we unanimously state that the church does not want to go back to those dark days of politically-motivated killings. Therefore, the youth of The African Church have resolved to support the succession plan of the governor for the peace we are enjoying presently to be sustained.
“The biggest blessing God has given to the church in Akwa Ibom is peace, and we will protect it by all means. On this strength, the youth of the church at the local, diocesan and provincial levels across the state are gathered here today with the charge for all to go and mobilize support for Pastor Umo Eno.” He stressed.
In his remarks, Eno assured all present that if elected in the forthcoming election, every local government area would experience tangible government presence within the first six months.
He noted that the calculated attempts at distracting him with litigations, coupled with the litany of endorsement by Akwa Ibom people had made him even more determined to win the election and serve the state with all his heart and righteous anger.
Describing himself as a selfless leader, Pastor Eno maintained that he loves and believes in Akwa Ibom State hence his decision to invest in the state many years ago, adding that his treasures are in the state and would do everything to protect them.
According to him, the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel came with the mantra of industrialization, and has successfully achieved on this agenda, adding that the next administration would focus on rural development and entrepreneurship.
