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…says spiritual backup needed for success
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Bishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican communion, His Grace, Arch-Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, has urged governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State to recognize the contributions of the United Pastors in Enugu State (UPIES) towards the political stability of the state.
Bishop Chukwuma who is the Life Patron of the group of pastors which cut across various demonizations in the state said that the UPIES have through prayers, media engagements enlightenment formed a spiritual Pillar for Mbah’s administration, adding that it was expedient for the group to be recognized by government.
The renowned Bishop who made his feelings known during a media chat at the Bishop’s Court, Enugu yesterday also suggested that the administration of Dr Peter Mbah should reintroduce the Government House prayer which was held in the early days of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani’s administration.
While extolling the virtues of the Leader of UPIES, Rev. Maduegbuna Okudo, added that political leaders should always recognize the importance of prayers and spiritual activities of clergymen in the success of their administration and progress of the state.
He said: “The group, UPIES, apart from countering the so called Network of South East Evangelical Bishops and other detractors, are praying for the state. They are making sure that Christians are mobilised for prayer and for unity of the state. They are very much concerned about the welfare and comfortability of the Christian in the state and people around the state and if possible advise the people in governance.
“So, you see, my people perish because there is no wisdom. They are there as people whom God has chosen as people of wisdom to sensitize people for righteousness and good living with prayers and contacts. I am their patron and I support them and I pray for their vision and mission. will be fully realised so that the people will see the goodness of it.
“The government should give them recognition and make them realise that these people are very much important in the governance of Enugu State for maintaining peace and progress because the government can not do everything alone. They need to consult and relate to people without any religious bigotry or divergence. That’s what we are saying.
“These people will come and say this government is a Roman Catholic government or Anglican, no, the government is for everyone. It’s our government. The moment I found out it’s sectional I will blow out and all these pastors will blow out. That’s what we are going to do. we don’t want cheating, sectionalism, we don’t want any different treat us as equal because we have only one heaven.
The United Pastors Forum cut across all the Christian denominations and that’s why Christ said that we may be one. Unity of the church is what they are projecting. United we stand and divided we fall and that’s why I am saying that the government should give them recognition because they have a lot to offer for the unity and progress of the state.
“Any government without the backing up with prayers by the men of God will fail. I remember when I started Government House prayer with former governor Chimaroke Nnamani. Things were going normal but all of a sudden he said it’s over and at that moment, crisis started in Enugu state. I pray that it should be resuscitated because prayer is the key.
“I am just watching, without carrying along this praying group of pastors, they are asking for disaster. They are like watchmen who should be praying against disaster and violence in the state. That’s why I want the government to know that they’re important.”
