Religious leaders tasked to assist in curbing crime
By Christopher Tom, Uyo
The Church has again been called upon to rise to the challenge posed by criminality in the Niger Delta by assisting the government in the campaign against immorality and moral decadence particularly among the youths.
Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call when he received the new Primate of the African Church, Nigeria/Overseas, His Grace, The Most Reverend Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, on a courtesy call on him last Sunday, at the Government House, Uyo.
Speaking through his deputy, Engr. Patrick Ekpotu, on the occasion of the courtesy call, Governor Akpabio noted that “the Church has always had a prime role to play in institutionalizing sound ethics and morality.” He emphasized that “except urgent and concerted efforts are made, the future of the nation would be completely lost.”
The Governor, who stated the resolve of his administration not to tolerate criminal activities of any shade in the state, mentioned that the aggressive development strides of his government were geared towards improving the socio-economic lots of the people and to dissuade them from criminal tendencies.
He expressed the belief that the emergence of Most Reverend Udofia as the Primate of the African Church would attract immense blessings to not only the Church, but also Akwa Ibom and Nigeria in general.
While speaking earlier, the new Primate of the African Church, The Most Reverend Emmanuel Udofia paid glowing tribute to the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio for its high level of achievements.
Imploring the governor not to allow himself to be distracted by the activities of critics, he admonished Chief Akpabio to strive to take Akwa Ibom to unprecedented socio-economic and political heights.
He said that he was particularly impressed with the free and compulsory education programme as well as the free medical services for children and the aged in the State. The N100m credit facility extended to Church faithful through the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN was also commended by the new Primate.
The Man of God urged the state government to expedite action on the various development projects like the International Airport and others that have the capacity to improve the lives of the citizens as well as the status of the state. In addition, he called for the granting of scholarships to indigenes of the state in specialised fields like engineering, medicine and other vocations in order to enhance their employment standing in the labour market, especially in the state.
The deputy governor later handed over a new Prado Jeep to the African Church Primate on behalf of Governor Akpabio. The redemption of the Jeep promised by the governor had earlier been announced at a Church service held at the St. Stephen's African Church Cathedral, Wellington Bassey Way, in honour of the new Primate.
A dinner was later hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government at the Le'Meridien Ibom Hotel in honour of Primate Emmanuel Udofia, the 11th Primate of the African Church, Nigeria & Overseas in the 108 year history of the Church.
