By Aniefiok Christopher
Ministers of the Gospel desiring to spread scriptural holiness revival in a troubled country like Nigeria, have been urged to emulate Governor Umo Eno’s approach in securing relative peace and tranquillity in managing the affairs of Akwa Ibom State.
The founding President of International Management and Finance Institute (IMFI), Sir Sunday Udo Akpan handed down the admonition during an advocacy visit by members of the Holy Cub International to the Senior Pastor and Ministers of Restoration Grace Assembly, Uyo recently.
While attributing the peaceful conduct of the just concluded party primaries in the State to Governor Umo Eno’s exemplary approach in securing resilience and stability in the face of troubled waters, Sir Akpan, a Trustee of the Methodist Church, Nigeria charged the clergy to be proactive and intentional in their referred duties to restore holiness and good governance in the land.
According to him, Governor Umo Eno had intentionally taken the initiative to embark on a peace and unity mission to critical political leaders in the system to accomplish his peace and unity project, both within and outside Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking further he said “Accordingly, Gospel Ministers should equally embark upon on scriptural holiness revival missions to intentionally encounter and transform occupants of critical leadership positions in business, the community and in government and to secure the restoration of ethical character and responsive leadership, with the view to checkmating the increasing trend of ungodliness, indiscipline, impunity, poor performances and confusion in the land”.
Underscoring the importance and urgency of the advocacy of ethical character and responsive leadership in family institutions and the various arms of government, Sir Akpan drew attention to the fact that the State Governor has effectively deployed his experience as a Pastor to promote the targeted mission to cement peace and unity across board.
He made references to similar targeted missions recorded in the Bible when Prophet Samuel had an encounter with King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:1-23, Prophet Elijah to King Ahab in 1 Kings 21:17-20, Prophet Nathan to King David in 2 Samuel 12:1-10 and that of Jesus Christ to Zacheous in Luke 19:1-6.
Borrowing from these, Sir Akpan concluded that the present day Prophets must intensify efforts in carrying out scriptural holiness revival from church cathedrals to those in positions of authority, to assist government in boosting the impact of development programmes for rural transformation, agriculture, healthcare delivery, education poverty eradication, political inclusivity, equity and justice.
He opined that individuals aspiring to occupy leadership positions should be Christ-centred and not self-centred, imbibing such fundamental principles like embracing the vision to manifest what is heavenly on earth, irrespective of the little corner they occupy, holding public resources in trust for the public by using instruments of strategic participative planning, budgeting, effective implementation, oversight and accountability to enhance transparency and due process.
The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development commended the Senior Pastor of Restoration Grace Assembly, Pastor Charis Essienobong and wife, Mrs Idongesit Essienobong, for their consistent sacrifices over the years, recalling that Pastor Essienobong has since 1995 been airing the Good News on Radio and Television stations till date.
The IMFI boss, had on behalf of the Holy Cub International, presented literature materials on Evangelism and Strategic Management to the leadership of the Church.
Receiving the materials, Pastor Charis Essienobong thanked the President of IMFI for his continued investment in capacity building for the Church Community in particular and the public sector in general.
The high point of the event were moments of prayers for our country Nigeria, the State Government and for divine enablement to make Governor Umo Eno Unstoppable. Major participants at the event were Ministers of the Gospel, including Evang. Kingsley Inyangete, who served as the Moderator.