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The President of the World Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Ted N C Wilson, has proffered the formula for effectiveness in leadership and government as doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God. Wilson remarked this when he paid a pastoral courtesy call on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, at the State House in Uyo.
Speaking directly off Micah 6:8, Pastor Wilson noted that every decision made by leaders in government or spiritual affairs should be grounded on justice and mercy and done in humility before God and the people.
Pastor Wilson also appealed to the governor to use the instrumentality of his office to encourage state institutions to provide alternative opportunities for Seventh-day Adventists and other Sabbath keepers to participate in elections, examinations and community clean-up exercises outside of the Sabbath hours. He urged that the issue of the Sabbath was a matter of conscience and conviction and as such citizens’ rights to observe the Sabbath without let or hindrance should be acknowledged and respected.
Governor Eno received Pastor Wilson along with his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Secretary to Government, Prince Enobong Uwa, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom, all the Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Chairs of Boards and Parastatals.
Pastor Wilson acknowledged the graciousness of the governor and his cabinet in waiting to have the visit after it was delayed by more than two hours because of technical problems in Pastor Wilson’s flight arrangement. He prayed God’s blessings and wisdom for the governor and his team.
In his remarks, Pastor Wilson also expressed his and the gratitude of the Church for the friendship and solidarity of ace industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who offered his private jet for the GC president’s use after that provided by Dr. Deji Adeleke developed a minor technical fault. He praised God for the humility and magnanimity of both men and prayed God’s blessings on them.
On his part, Governor Eno thanked the GC president for dropping by with his team. “It is not all the time that the world leaders of Christian organisations come calling. We’re only about five months in office, so as world leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, your visit is very significant for us and we do not take it for granted,” the governor enthused.
Governor Eno pledged that he and his team will serve the people of Akwa Ibom with commitment, competence and compassion, knowing that they will give account to God on the day of judgment. He indicated that the philosophy of his government, which is informed by his strong Christian background and values, is anchored on the ARISE agenda. ARISE is the acronym for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management and Educational Advancement.
Pastor Wilson invited the governor to the October 28 Sabbath Service holding at the Ikot Ekpene stadium as part of activities lined for the Year-end Council of the West-Central Africa Division.
On the visit with Pastor Wilson were his wife, Mrs Nancy Wilson, Associate Treasurer of the General Conference, Elder George Egwakhe and his wife, officers of the West-Central Africa Division, Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu, Pastor Sessou Kwasi Selom, Elder Markus Musa Dangana and their wives, officer of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference, Pastor Bassey Udoh, Pastor Onyebuchi Opara and Elder Emmanuel Manilla, the Vice Chancellor and Bursar of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo and Dr Folorunso Akande and the Akwa Ibom Conference President, Pastor Felix Anaba.
Earlier, Pastor Wilson and his team were received at the Victor Attah International Airport by Union and field officers, institutional heads, women leaders and members of the Youth Ministries, who mounted a Guard of Honour for the world president.
Eastern Nigerian Union president, Pastor Bassey Udoh has, commended the patience of the leaders and members who waited about five hours longer because of technical difficulties in the flight arrangement.
Pastor Wilson is in Nigeria to lead the grand finale of the year-long celebration of the Centenary of Adventism in Eastern Nigeria. He will, among other commemorative activities, attend the Year-end Council of the West-Central Africa Division, visit the uplink centre of the Hope Channel International-led satellite evangelism in Port Harcourt, and preside over the worship rally and Festival of Baptism on November 4, which will be the climax of the celebrations.
