Clerics back Emmanuel’s re-election

Church leaders under the aegis of Spiritual Fathers Forum yesterday reaffirmed their support for the re-election bid of Akwa State Governor Udom Emmanuel.

The governor, according to them, has delivered quality governance in all critical sectors of the state.

Led by Emeritus Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang, the clerics said they would work for the governor’s second term bid and mobilise members to vote for Emmanuel.

Speaking with reporters at his home in Uyo yesterday, Mbang, surrounded by prominent church leaders, reiterated that the Christian community had endorsed Emmanuel as its candidate for the 2019 governorship election.

The 81-year-old former chairperson of World Methodist Council said: “Udom’s transparent Christian life in the governance of Akwa Ibom endeared him to us as Christians extremely significantly.”

He described the governor’s performances in roads, industralisation, infrastructural upgrade, food security, sports development and health as “unparralled and second to none.”

According to the ex-President of Christian Association of Nigeria: “The health sector has been given unprecedented boost and face lift everywhere.

“Many of our state hospitals and institutions, which were moribund have now been given new lease of life with modern infrastructural facilities. Sooner or later, all roads will lead to Uyo for medical tourism.”

In sports, he praised the governor for renovating the Uyo and Ikot Ekpene stadia as well as building modern sports centres.

He also praised Emmanuel for prompt payment of salaries and pensions to retirees.

Describing Emmanuel as “Christian governor in deeds and words,” Mbang said: “His time has been remarkable and exceptional and extremely gratifying to the glory of God and blessing of Akwa Ibom people.”

For these and more, the retired priest said Christians in the state, who he claimed make up 99 per cent of the population, would vote for the governor next year.

“Governor Udom’s second term is sacrosanctly assured. 2019 is a foregone conclusion; his victory is God ordained. The Christian community in Akwa Ibom is behind his re-election.”

He dismissed insinuations he had been induced to support the governor, saying the Spiritual Father’s Forum’s position was informed “bv the obvious performances of Udom as well as his Christian credentials in the Government House.”