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The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, yesterday extolled the leadership qualities of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing him as “an erudite scholar, quintessential, sagacious, benevolent, magnanimous and people’s governor who always cares for the people”.
Dr. Kanu Uche, who commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s giant strides in promoting peace and good governance, also lauded him for his resilience and commitment to the welfare of the state’s workers and retirees, in spite of the nation’s economic challenges.
Speaking during the 9th National Convention of the Church, holding in Enugu, the Methodist Prelate added: “You (Ugwuanyi) have been promoting your works, we are proud of you. You are making the Igbo man proud. You are making Nigeria proud and I don’t expect anything less because you occupy the seat of Michael Okpara who happened to be the leader of all the Igbos.
“Enugu is a home for all Igbo and we know it. Under you Enugu is peaceful and we are very happy.
“We have enjoyed your love, your kindness, your mercy and the Methodists are proud to be here.
“Let me tell you one of the motivating factors for bringing this gathering to Enugu. I brought them to our regional capital; I brought them to Enugu to come and enjoy the beauty of Enugu and we have been experiencing peace and cool weather here.”
Dr. Kanu Uche therefore thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was present at the religious event, for his immeasurable support for the Church, and beseeched the Almighty God to elevate the governor to greater heights after his tenure.
He explained that the National Convention was “in line with the vision of our founding father, John Wesley, who believes in spreading scriptural holiness, promoting evangelical faith and social action”, saying: “That is why Methodists don’t believe in having private jet”, among other luxuries.
Addressing the Methodist faithful, Gov. Ugwuanyi formally welcomed them to Enugu State and expressed delight that the Church chose the state for the religious event.
Noting that the event themed: ‘Watch and Pray’ is “a period of revival for the Church, expansion of God’s Kingdom and prayers for the nation, the governor stressed that “our nation, Nigeria, has never been more in need of prayers than now, given the myriad of challenges confronting it”.
He therefore maintained that the nation’s state of affairs compels all members of the Body of Christ to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the country, stating: “I therefore salute the Methodist Church Nigeria for doing the needful”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi pointed out that the National Convention of the Methodist Church Nigeria which came on the heels of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) held in Enugu from 19th to 27th August 2012, “is spiritually reinforcing and underscores God’s love for the state”.
According to him, “the good people of Enugu State will savor this bountiful harvest of prayers and blessings for a very long time. The expression ‘Enugu State is in the Hands of God’ is not just a mantra but an article of faith that captures our covenant with God, as we see God’s Hands in all we do.
“I thank the Clergy and laity of Methodist Church Nigeria for their continuing prayers and wise counsel in support of our administration.
“Your solidarity and fidelity are highly cherished, and I assure you of our unflinching commitment to lead with the fear of God in an environment hallmarked with peace, justice, equity, unity, security and progress”.
In their brief remarks, the Archbishop of Enugu, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Barr. Christopher Ede and other clerics who spoke at the event equally applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for his unalloyed commitment and support for the Church, as well as the culture of peace and good governance his administration has cultivated and entrenched in Enugu State in spite of the nation’s economic, security and public health challenges, which have drastically affected the lean resources of the state.
Chidiogo asuke
