Umo Eno is God’s gift to Akwa Ibom – Prof. Isaiah Isong
The President General of Fathers In Faith for Good Governance, Prelate Prof. Isaiah Isong, has urged the peace loving and development-centric citizens of Akwa Ibom State to rally behind the candidature of the Lands and Water Resources commissioner, Pastor Umo Eno for gubernatorial office come 2023.
Describing Pastor Umo Eno, who is the most generally accepted aspirant to the coveted seat, as God’s best gift to the state, Prof Isaiah Isong, who is known for his astuteness and courageous stance on multilateral issues affecting the wellbeing of Akwa Ibomites, peace and development of the State, declared that the choice of Pastor Umo Eno was divine and irreversible.
He said 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 Isong, the Church in Akwa Ibom State has been praying for God to reveal a leader after his own heart, who will not only ensue peace and development but lead the state with the fear of God, and 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 State; 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 2Corinthians 6:3, “Giving no offence in any thing, 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 derogatories to preach peace.
His words: “Whoever insult you, give him salt; no matter the offenses. We must play politics God’s way, not the way the world 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.”
Isong 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 office aspirants, 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 State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda and succession plan, adding: “We are for peace and good governance, we are precursors and propagators harmonious living. We be tenacious, courageous and unbending in our supports 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 State, Rivers and the United States, was up to re-Christianize Akwa Ibom State 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. Mrs Edo Ekanem, Director of mobilization and strategy, Dr. Hilkiah Eliathah and Central Youth Leader, Rev. Emem Jacob.