A Nigerian pastor has bombed, “People fear COVID-19 more than God,” saying that that is the reason many people and leaders in the society commit evils with impunity.
UbokAbasi Joshua, the Zonal Pastor of Mountain of Fire and Miracles, Ikono in Akwa Ibom State preaching on the topic: ‘Fear God” bemoaned the surging prevalence of social vices in the society and attributed such to lack of the fear of God.
Joshua, giving the homily during the funeral service for Essien Essien Obong at Primary School, Essien Road in Ikot Ekpene on Friday, said “Up till now, people are still afraid of COVID-19. Sneeze now- many will cover their noses for fear of catching the pandemic. Once COVID-19 is mentioned, many people are scared. Talk about God, people shrug off and go about their business as usual.
“Yet, the same people can go to any extent to perpetrate evils or social vices, forgetting that there is God in heaven watching and recording what they are doing on earth. If they die, where will they go to? It is not bad to chase money, academic qualifications and other material things. Will these perishable items grant them eternal life?”
“During the ENDSARS protest, members of the public discovered that some politicians had stockpiled CACOVID-19 palliatives in their warehouses. They broke in and looted the palliatives without care.
“Other people asked ‘why did they hoard the items meant for the poor and the hungry?’ Other onlookers answered “They hoarded the items only to be re-bagged and released as campaign materials prior to the 2023 elections for the electorate to give them more votes.”
“I tell you that the world would have been a better place if many fear God and do things rightly and justly to all irrespective of tribes, colour and state of origin. Let us, therefore, fear God and keep His commandments,” the man of God concluded.
In his condolence message to the bereaved family, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, penned “The family of the late Barrister Essien Essien Obong, on behalf of myself and members of my family I will like to condole and share in your moment of grief the loss of your father and brother late barrister Essien Essien Obong who passed on to eternal glory at the age of 54 years. My deepest sympathies are with the entire Essien Essien Obong family in this difficult time.
Akpabio who was represented by Sir Etekamba Umoren, the Chief of Personal Staff to the Minister, remarked “The death of Barrister Essien Essien Obong is a personal loss to me having being my friend.
“His loss has brought pain and agony but solace in the fact that he was a dedicated family man and solicitor who stood for justice and fairness and a man who impacted on the lives of many who came across him his rise at the Nigerian Bar association having served as NBA Ikot Ekpene branch welfare officer, secretary(2010-2012), vice chairman of the branch (2014-2015), chairman of the branch (2015-2016) and made executive of the branch (2016-2017) and the legacies he left behind are momentous and evergreen in our memories.
“The lives he touched through his legal practice would forever remember him. My family and I commiserate with you and the entire members of your family and I am praying God to grant you all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss so accept our condolences and may the soul of our late dear brother rest in peace. Amen!” the Minister added.
