Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has paid tribute to the immediate-past Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, for his fight against same-sex marriages, noting that he stood for the truth and deserves all the accolades for not succumbing to global pressure on the subject.

The governor stated that one of the things used against the re-election of former President Goodluck Jonathan was the passage of the Anti-gay Marriage Bill.

Okowa stated this during the retirement thanksgiving service for Okoh at the St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Owa-Alero in the Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

He said, “At a time when a lot of things were going on in the Anglican Communion worldwide, he stood like the soldier of truth that he is. He was one of the few African primates, who declined to attend a meeting over gay marriages. We thank God that he was not carried away by the global sentiments.

“Even in the Senate, when we passed the Anti-gay Marriage Bill, there were all manner of pressure from all over the world and this anti-same sex marriage bill was one of the things used against the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“As a builder in the body of Christ, he (Okoh) has done a lot in building for Christ and we will continue to be proud of him at all times. Being the first ever Primate from Delta State, you made us proud and we give God the glory.”

In his sermon, the new Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, called on Nigerians to put their trust in God and seek His help in solving the challenges bedevilling the nation.

He said God was willing to restore the nation’s glory if the people were willing to serve Him in truth and in spirit.

In his remark, Okoh thanked Okowa for his support throughout his tenure as Primate.

Okoh said he was not just thanking God, because he was retiring from active service, but for surviving when he took the bold step to leave his village 51 years ago.

“I left the village 51 years ago at 4am by foot. I’m happy that I’m able to come back alive and whatever achievement and promotion we have attained, it is by the grace of God,” he stated.