The Bishop of Uyo diocese of the Catholic Church, Bishop John Aya has appreciated God for the good leadership provided by Governor Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State.
Bishop Aya spoke at the Catholic diocesan new year fasting and prayers Thanksgiving Mass at Cardinal Ekandem seminary grounds, Dominic Utuk Avenue Uyo.
He said the Governor’s benevolence has been extended to the Catholic church and the entire state.
“We will continue to thank you for the good work you are doing. If you were doing badly, you know me, I will tell you that you did it wrongly.
"That is why we are appreciating you. We ask God to bless you for all the good works you have done ”
Bishop Aya who used the occasion to appreciate Governor Emmanuel for the rehabilitation of the St. Luke's Hospital Anua and other interventions, presented a souvenir to the Governor Emmanuel a symbol of appreciation.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, while addressing the congregation acknowledged the contribution of the church to the peace enjoyed in Akwa Ibom by their prayers.
Governor Emmanuel who led his deputy, Moses Ekpo, former Governor Idongesit Nkanga, Senator Bassey Albert and members of the State executive council to the service, thanked God for the peace and the Christian body for their fervent prayers, maintaining that his administration is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for Akwa Ibom children.
“I want to thank God for the peaceful coexistence of people in Akwa Ibom State and for the peace we are enjoying in our state today. It is because we have so many Christians praying for us, that is why we are enjoying this peace, stability and development.”
“At the end of the day, it is not about us, it is about the soul of this state, it is about the destiny of this state. Whatsoever we do today is about the destiny of Akwa Ibom State, it is about the future of our children.
"We are for sustainable development which involves preparing our children for the future and also preparing the future for our children.”
Mr. Emmanuel warned that politics is not meant to breach the existing harmony and unity in the state and expressed optimism that the prayers would bring an enduring peace and ensure a transparent credible and violent free election in the state and country.
The Governor sent the church into a frenzy when he embraced the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Nsima Ekere at the chancel, also announced support to the church project on behalf of himself, his delegation as well as other political opponents who were at the service.
On his part, Obong Nsima Ekere who stood beside the Governor, expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for hosting the prayer conference and also agreed to promote a peaceful and violent free election.
In an homily Rev. Fr. Francis Essien harped on the message of love saying Christians should embrace the virtue as a new year resolution.The cleric charged public office holders to see their position as a call to service. Taking his text from Romans 12 verses 9 to 10 described man as an agent of development.
Others who attended the event where Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ita Enang, Barr. Valerie Ebe, among others, who all donated in support of the development of the church.
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