The serene community of Nta Isip, Ikot Ibiok in Eket local government was on Sunday electrified as the several people from all walks of life converged for a thanksgiving ceremony to appreciate God for his love and faithfulness in the life of an elder statesman, Chief Nduese Essien.
Chief Essien on the occasion at Qua Iboe church, Ikot ibiok, Eket said he invited friends and associates to celebrate God for his mercies and a successful surgical operation in the United Kingdom.
He disclosed that he had seen God’s hands in his life, family, business, political career and could not fail to thank God for his awesome love.
He recalled an incident in which he collapsed during an event at the state Government House, Uyo where he was revived by the medical team at Government house. Chief Essien particularly thanked Governor Udom who approved a foreign medical treatment for him after he was diagnosed of a severe ailment.
The former minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development heaped praises on the Almighty God who saw him through the major surgical operation conducted by 8 medical doctors which lasted for six hours.
The former chairman of the south south parliamentary caucus in the 5th National Assembly, noted that the present economic recession “is God’s plan to make us change our style of living, especially spending beyond our income and impunity that had crept into our political life.”
Recounting his ordeal in the hospital, he specifically thanked God for sparing his life following the heart surgery.
According to him, during the period of his operation, people had gone round to spread rumours that he had passed on, but God restored him back to life, and called on them to put all their hopes in God even at the time things are tough and difficult.
He also commended the State government for the standard of Ibom Specialist Hospital which had saved several Akwa Ibom people who were affected by the recent church collapsed along Uyo Village road.
He attested that the hospital had saved hundreds of lives and will further restore lives when upgraded with more facilities.
According to him, the state had been prepared by God for this time to financially remain afloat with the emergence of Gov Udom Emmanuel who has the financial muscle and expertise and is prudently managing the state’s economy to the admiration of others.
He charged people not to relent in overwhelming support to the governor who he said has all it takes to paddle the state successively and provide industries and other job opportunities for the people.
Gov Udom Emmanuel in his remarks at the church service reiterated that his administration treasured elder statesmen especially those principled ones who have contributed their intellect to the political growth and economic development of the state.
Gov Emmanuel who was represented by his deputy Mr Moses Ekpo, maintained that “people in different positions of authority either in governance or ecclesiastical are placed by God for his purpose and applauded Chief Nduese Essien for his leadership role in Akwa Ibom state and Eket senatorial district which dates back to his days in the green chambers of the National Assembly and the Federal Executive Council.
Mr. Moses Ekpo who commended Chief Nduese Essien for his immense contributions to the development of his Community, State and Nigeria at large, advised the youth of the state to emulate his sterling qualities and assured that his administration will continue to impact positively on the citizen.
The event attracted the political class, serving government officials, including Senator representing Eket senatorial district, Senator Nelson Effiong, Senator Helen Esuene, Senator Anietie Okon, the member representing Eket Federal Constituency Deaconess Owoideghe Ekpoatai, INEC Commissioner Rivers State Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, Chief Michael Afangide, and others.
Earlier in his homily, the General superintendent and Chairman of Conference, Qua iboe Church, Nigeria, Revd. Ekpedeme Efanga, who preached on the theme:’Reward Of Thanksgiving’ taken from 1st Samuel 2:2-7 recalled the affliction Hannah went through in her husband’s house but, finally the Lord visited and gave her the desire of her heart.
He noted, only God’s grace, favour and blessings are enough reasons to thank and celebrate God.
Ekpedeme, urged Christians to remember where God brought them from and the success achieved is attributable to God’s grace least anyone may boast.
By Essien Ndueso
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