Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has described last weekend’s terrorist attack on the United Nation Building in Abuja which claimed many innocent souls as a senseless act of barbarism.
He stated this yesterday in Eket at a thanksgiving service to mark the 75th birthday of Primate Emeritus of the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang.
Akpabio, who admonished Nigerians to move closer to God and pray in order to avert such monumental waste of human lives paid tribute to Dr. Mbang and described him as a steadfast and fearless man of God.
Instead of celebrating 75 years existence of Mbang, the governor noted that Nigerians and indeed the entire world was in a mourning mood over the abrupt termination of innocent souls at the UN building by terrorists.
He congratulated Mbang on his birthday and for living an exemplary, disciplined life which he noted was worthy of emulation.
Akpabio called on Nigerians to always show love and affection to one another because no one who loves his or her brother would kill or maim him under any circumstance.
He described Mbang as a great son of Akwa Ibom and an icon in Nigeria’s Christendom whose wisdom, humility, kindness and service to humanity was unquantifiable.
Earlier in his homily, the Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev M.K Stephen, said that Dr. Mbang was being celebrated not because of his position in the church but as a great man whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy would always be remembered.
He congratulated Mbang for his contribution to the development of Christian Association of Nigeria CAN and therefore urged Nigerians to follow his exemplary Christian life by showing affection and always give hope to the troubled.
Quoting several verses from the Gospel according to St. Matthew, the Archbishop said that Christians should adequately prepare as they embark on their earthly journey in their service to humanity.
In his remark, Mbang said that he was overwhelmed by the show of love exhibited by all the dignitaries who came to rejoice with him on his 75th birthday .
The event was attended by important dignitaries in and outside Akwa Ibom State.They include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, ministers, National Assembly members and members of the Akwa Ibom State Executive council.