Our reporters
The funeral service of Archbishop Elijah Akpan Mboho at Goodnews Community International, Midim in Abak Local Government Area temporarily ‘united’ different gospel ministers’ folds hitherto divided along political lines in Akwa Ibom State.
Prior to March 11, 2023 governorship elections in the state, Fathers of Faith led by the former Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, the late Dr. Sunday Mbang and Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly (ACA), led by Arch-Bishop Cletus Bassey were gunning for the soul of Hilton Mansion, Uyo.
While Fathers of Faith supported the succession agenda of the then governor Udom Emmanuel that birthed Pastor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly (ACA) ‘anointed’ Senator Bassey Albert, governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP.
Also read: Popular Nigerian Pentecostal father transits to eternity
Similarly, some Ministers threw their weight behind Obong Akan Udofia, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate.
Straightnews understands that all the candidates failed the election, but Umo Eno triumphed as the Akwa Ibom governor.
However, the funeral service temporarily ‘united’ the Ministers’ factions as shown by the teeming number of clergymen who were at the ceremony on Friday, October 13.
During the funeral, Prof. Ahaziah Umanah handled the invocation while the former Primate of African Church, Bishop Emmanuel Josiah Udofia, took the worship. Both are members of the Fathers of Faith.
On the other hand, Archbishop Cletus Bassey handled the first reading from Ps 90 while Bishop Josephine Eggah took the second reading from 1 Cor. 15:45-58. Both are of Akwa Ibom Christian Assembly (ACA).
For special testimonies, Apostle Angela Ashong and Evangelist Helen Ukpabio who were spiritual daughters of the deceased spoke glowingly about Mboho.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno and Wife Her Excellency, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, were among the sympathisers at the obsequies of the 91 year-old.
To immortalise Archbishop Mboho, Governor Umo Eno directed the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to partner the management of the orphanage Goodnews Community Humanity Home, Abak.
Rev. (Dr.) Uma Ukpai, founder of Uma Evangelistic Association, himself a member of Fathers of Faith, Governor Umo Eno and the Most Rev. (Archbishop) Dr. Joseph A. Alexander, founder of Emmanuel Baptist Church, New York donated N60 million for the upkeep of the orphans, widows and the less privileged in the Gospel Village, 100 Midim Road, Waterside, Abak.
Straightnews gathered that Mboho, who fathered and ordained many Ministers in the state, was also a member of Fathers of Faith.
It was a gathering of Archbishops, Bishops, Apostles, Rev. Ministers and Ministers of gospel from various denominations as shown in the procession that ushered the coffin to the arena. Archbishop Isaiah Issong, Archbishop Udeme Simon and Bishop Emah Isong, were among many who graced the funeral.
Real Brass Band resplendent in their uniform thrilled the audience with their scintillating music while their pall bearers brought the Archbishop’s remains to Elijah Akpan Mboho Arena for the service.
Popular gospel songstress Aity Dennis, Abak Choral Voices and another gospel songstress Ethel Odungide featured prominently at the funeral.
Tribute
In a tribute to the departed, Rev. Jack Mboho penned ”Arch-bishop Elijah Mboho was a remarkable and amazing but great man of God, many came to discover in his time. As a God’s general, he was in the mould of Smith Wigglesworth, Kenneth Hagen and Archbishop Benson Idahaso who did great exploits for God.
”For me as a person, I want to borrow the inimitable words of Dimitri the Stoneheart who penned A father doesn’t tell you that he loves you. He shows you.
”Though a brother, he was couched as a father figure to me after the demise of my father. He showered me love in every facet of life such that what I am today, apart from God Almighty, I could aptly ascribe my success to his wise counseling and fervent prayers.”
Mboho who is a business mogul recalled ”As a teenager, the servant of God lovingly led me to Jesus Christ. This is the foundation that has cemented my standing with God and has flowered my success in the business and career.
”As a loving father, he called me Dede (Great man) and I called him (Daddy) to show the unmatched bonding between us.
”In both nuclear and extended families, he was a symbol of peace, a bridge builder, loving father and husband, a fountain of wisdom and a generous giver.
”In short, he was epitome of discipline, unequalled God’s instrument, caring father, personable, and kind-hearted person who spent every ounce of his lifetime showing selfless love to many and reverencing God.
”Though dead, my daddy lives eternally embalmed in our hearts as many he positively impacted their lives physically and spiritually.
”May the Cherubs and Seraphs jet him to the bosom of our wonderful God until we meet to depart no more!
”Adieu, great servant of God!
Adieu, our daddy!
Adieu, our loving family head!” he added.
