Mkpat Enin: Clerics decry politics of blackmail, looming violence
Clerics in Akwa Ibom under the aegis of Fathers of Faith, Mkpat Enin Chapter, have condemned in very strong terms the ongoing politics of blackmail and looming threat of violence ahead of the Local government elections in the area.
The clergy men say they have noted a play out of “pull him down, character assassination, false accusation and denigration (charged falsely with malicious intent)” from politicians in the area.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, Fathers of Faith, Mkpat Enin Chapter, Prelate Dr Ebenezer Ukpe; Pastor Daniel Effiong, General Secretary; Pastor Samuel Essien, Chairman, Advisory Council and nine other Fathers of Faith, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, the clerics solicited the peaceful conduct of the forth-coming elections with fairness, justice and equity.
Citing an instance of politics of blackmail in the area, the men of God recalled the recent assassination on the character of Rev. Obot M. Ekanem, one of their own who recently lost his chance of being elected after allegedly being blackmailed to the Governor.
“Reverend Ekanem voluntarily surrendered to lead Mkpat Enin land from the miry clay into God’s inheritance, to restore Mkpat Enin to a “land dedicated unto God and his services.
“We wish to advice Mkpat Enin politicians to eschew an act that can invoke the wrath of God upon our land by measuring falsehood to the man of God as Fathers of Faith will continue to uphold and support righteous Government anywhere in the state.
“We stood by our Governor, today Akwa Ibom is enjoying an enabling environment for progress and investment. The same shall happen in Mkpat Enin. We therefore want to state categorically that all allegations fathomed against Rev. Obot Ekanem, a reputable MAN OF GOD OF UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH extraction are false and malicious.
“We also wish to state that Ekanem is well known for his integrity and credibility and should be allowed to exercise his franchise. He had been a sincere stakeholder of PDP and has always delivered his unit to his party”. The statement read.
The men of God further expressed their convictions that it was God who sent Ekanem to occupy the number one seat in Mkpat Enin to chase away darkness and works of darkness from the area.
While believing that the prayers of Fathers of Faith and the peaceful disposition and policies of Governor Udom Emmanuel have contributed to install peace in all parts of the state, the Fathers of Faith however sued for special caution among stakeholders in the state, especially as the Local Government elections are fast approaching.
While warning aspirants against desperation and bullying, they drew attention of those seeking political offices at the Local government councils to learn from the recently concluded PDP State Congress in the state, which they testified to have been first of its kind in terms of peaceful conduct and order.
The religious leaders also used the medium to appreciate Governor Udom Emmanuel for appointing their son, Prof Eno Ibanga as Commissioner for Works and prayed God to continue to bless the state with peace and harmony.
