... As Candidate Vows to be Selfless in Service

In an audacious step aimed at taking their destinies in their own hands, Youths of The African Church have declared support for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno while also affirming that they will mobilize votes for him across the state.

Speaking at their new year solemn assembly in Uyo, the Provincial Youth President, Prince Enobong Oku stated that the youths of the church will continue to be good ambassadors of the African Church, adding that, "In tune with the season which places on us the responsibility of facilitating good governance through our involvement in political activities, I charge all the youths and the church as a whole to join the trend and not sit on the fence.

He stated further "In the previous administration, a member of the African Church was gruesomely murdered in church. It is against this backdrop that we unanimously state that the church does not want to go back to those dark days of politically-motivated killings. Therefore, the youth of The African Church have resolved to support the succession plan of the governor for the peace we are enjoying presently to be sustained.

"The biggest blessing God has given to the church in Akwa Ibom is peace, and we will protect it by all means. On this strength, the youth of the church at the local, diocesan and provincial levels across the state are gathered here today with the charge for all to go and mobilize support for Pastor Umo Eno," he added.

In his message at the assembly, the former Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Emmanuel Josiah Udofia encouraged Christians especially those in politics, not to be discouraged by seeming obstacles and challenges, stressing that for anyone on the right path to fulfill God's purpose, there is bound to be opposition.

He however assured that while many are the afflictions of the righteous, " the Lord delivereth him out of them all; He keepeth all his bones and not one of them is broken."

In his remarks, an obviously elated Pastor Eno assured all present that if elected in the forthcoming election, every local government area will experience tangible government presence within the first six months.

He noted that the calculated attempts at distracting him with frivolous litigations, coupled with the litany of endorsement by Akwa Ibom people has made him even more determined to win the election and serve the state with all his heart and righteous anger.

Describing himself as a selfless leader, Pastor Eno maintained that he loves and believes in Akwa Ibom State hence his decision to invest in the state many years ago, adding that his treasures are in the state and would do everything to protect them.

Pastor Eno who is a seasoned entrepreneur with investment interest in the hospitality and tourism industry, disclosed that he has carried out a needs assessment of all the local government areas in the state and was well equipped to further on the development strides of the Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration.

According to him, the administration of Governor Emmanuel came with the mantra of industrialization, and has successfully achieved on this agenda, adding that the next administration would focus on rural development and entrepreneurship.

He commended the African Church and other churches for taking the bold step to support peace, righteousness and the ARISE Agenda, affirming that not only will they enjoy dividends of democracy but he would not disappoint the church and Akwa Ibom people as a whole

The governorship hopeful then appealed to Christians across the state to get their PVCs and vote for persons who have capacity, character and compassion and reflect the calibre of leaders they want for the state and country generally.

In attendance were bishops from all the dioceses of The African Church in Akwa Ibom State, and other officers of the church.