‘’Go and renounce in the press that you are not a cultist. Then, we will support you,’’ Dr. Sunday Mbang handed down the tall order to governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State.
Mbang, the Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church, Nigeria informed journalists at his Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo, the state capital on Thursday, July 8 that no Christian would vote for a cultist governorship aspirant.
Addressing a press conference, the one-time President of Christian Association of Nigeria said ‘’So far, 13 aspirants have visited me on consultation. I told them to go to the press and renounce cultism. Without doing this, they would not govern this state. Christians would not vote for them.’’
Speaking under the aegis of Spiritual Fathers’ Forum, Mbang who is the forum’s chairman dismissed rumours making round that the forum has a preferred candidate in the forthcoming general elections.
”This is absolutely false. On the contrary, we are praying conscientiously to ensure that the people of the state elect a credible, honest Christian citizen with good leadership qualities and personal probity, as the Governor of the state, come 2023.
”The same holds true for those who must represent us in the various legislatures of our local government administrations.’’
According to him, ”Akwa Ibom State is more than 90%‘Christian. Christianity is a religion of peace, while cultism is a form of religious worship that permits the admiration and devotion to a person or thing which often times uses violence to ensure perpetuation of belief.
”Cultists are devotees not believers. Whereas cultists are devoted to their leaders, Christians are devoted to Jesus Christ and God the Father. Cultism has polluted the character and behavior of our youths and even minor children.
”They are also concerned about succession and replenishing of their ranks and membership. They recruit through deception and provision of material incentives and benefits. These are some of the reasons our politics has become polluted, violent and very expensive.’’
Mbang submitted ‘’Therefore, the Spiritual Fathers’ Forum cannot and will not support the election of a known cultist into our political system and political offices.
”If we are to turn away from the insurrections, insecurities, conflicts, violence and evils that currently afflict this nation and some sections of this state, you have to join the struggles and adopt the objectives of the Spiritual Fathers’ Forum, so as to return the nation and her citizens to the paths of peace, morality, prosperity and good governance,’’ he noted.
