Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has expressed concern over the actions of some church leaders and gospel ministers who he noted were in the habit of deviating from the Christian norms to preach sentiments to debase a people.
The governor spoke against the backdrop of the recent outburst by one Pastor Yinka Yusuf, labelling Akwa Ibom people as slaves, who live a petty life on menial jobs - domestic servants and gate keepers.
He said on a viral video that the people of the state had been bogged down by what he called ancestral curses, adding that his one-million-man crusade planned for the state's Ibom Hall was to break such yoke to set the people free.
But the state government viewed such spiteful view point from a supposed pastor as a big insult and stereotype against the accommodating and peace-loving people of the state, and consequently cancelled the crusade, threatening a lawsuit if the cleric fails to retract such demeaning categorisation of a people.
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The visibly angry Governor Eno made the remarks when he hosted the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi, on a courtesy call to him at the Government House, Uyo, at the weekend.
He commended Pastor Kumuyi, who is on a five-day crusade in the state, for his exemplary, humble and fatherly leadership in Christendom, while clarifying the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of Pastor Yusuf's proposed one-million-man crusade in the state.
The governor, who frowned at a viral video in which Pastor Yusuf, made derogatory remarks about Akwa Ibom people, described such conduct as incompatible with Christian values of love, respect and tolerance.
He contrasted the comments with Pastor Kumuyi's long-standing reputation for humility, peace and collaboration with government and host communities.
Extolling Pastor Kumuyi's leadership style, Governor Eno said the Deeper Christian Life Ministry had positively impacted the spiritual lives of millions of Nigerians and beyond, adding that the cleric's disposition reflected true Christian fatherhood.
He explained that based on the inflammatory comments by Pastor Yusuf, security agencies advised that it would be unsafe and improper for the planned programme to proceed as scheduled, leading to its suspension to forestall potential security breaches.
"You cannot denigrate a people and expect them to receive your message. Sir, you are different; you are a father known worldwide, and we respect, honour and appreciate you for coming to our State. Akwa Ibom receives you with open arms," he enthused.
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The governor further appreciated Pastor Kumuyi for the strong moral values upheld by members of his church, citing the permanent secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Imaobong Okon, as a model of Christian conduct in public service.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Governor Eno disclosed that 335 indigent citizens had benefited from the ARISE Compassionate Homes initiative, which provides fully furnished houses with social amenities, including solar-powered boreholes. He added that about 1,200 kilometres of roads had been constructed or were ongoing across the State, alongside 84 other projects at various stages of completion.
He, therefore, appealed for prayers to enable his administration to complete all ongoing projects within its first term.
Responding, Pastor Kumuyi thanked the governor and the people of Akwa Ibom State for providing a peaceful and conducive environment for the global crusade.
He appreciated the state's calm and peaceful ambience and Governor Eno's visionary leadership, which he said has contributed to sustainable development.
