The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Aba, on Tuesday visited the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Land, Royal High Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu, aka Bawas, at his country home in Amuzukwu-Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia
The Prelate was accompanied in the visit by some prominent leaders of the church, including the Secretary of Conference Rt. Rev’d Dr. Babatunde Abiodun Taiwo.
Aba said that he was on an apostolic assignment in Abia, but decided to visit Akwukwaegbu, who is a worthy Knight of John Wesley, in recognition and presence of the power of a paramount ruler.
According to him, at the beginning of the year like this, we have a lot to handle, especially when it has to do with the inauguration of dioceses and enthronement of bishops and archbishops.
He said: “Last Sunday, we were at Ihube to celebrate with our father, Prelate Uche Samuel, for his 70th birthday anniversary, for what the Lord Almighty has done in his life adding that ” we will continue to be here (Abia) till Feb. 7, because there are other assignments ahead of us to execute.”
The Prelate expressed gratitude to Akwukwaegbu for the reception and hospitality, saying “he and his household do not only like us, they love us.”
The Prelate equally urged the Christian faithful to pray earnestly for credible leaders to emerge in the Feb. 25 and March 11 elections, maintaining that “Nigerian society has been blessed by God with numerous endowments, but if we don’t vote right, credible leader to power, abundance of wealth we have will be wasted.
Again, he said “What we are experiencing since years back till now, we do not want to continue in that form.
“Let the children of God, the ministers of the gospel, the members of our churches come together with our prayers and PVCs and God will help us decide who should govern us,” he said.
Aba described the scarcity of the newly redesigned naira notes as a set back to the nation’s economy.
He lamented that he was personally affected by the new policy, but urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue praying for a positive change in the country.
According to him, the church will continue to pray irrespective of the government’s policies.
Aba was also accompanied by His Grace, Arch Bishop Chibuzo Raphael Opoko of Umuahia Arch Diocese; Bishop Vincent Onoh of Umuahia West Diocese and his counterpart from Umuahia East, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Ikechukwu Nkolo.
Others were the Conference Legal Officer, Very Rev’d Peace Onyekwere; Prelate Chaplain Very Rev’d Ekpenyong Ime Ekpenyong, Arch Diocesan Council Secretary, Very Rev’d Chukwuemeka Ndukwe and Pastor Ugochukwu Steve, the PDP candidate for Umuahia Central State Constituency amongst other Ibeku Council of Elders who were on ground to receive them.
