…As Commissioner Offers Thanksgiving to God
Governor Udom Emmanuel has advised Akwa Ibom people to be wary of unconstructive criticisms which could be inimical to the growth and development of the state.
Governor Emmanuel made this known at a Thanksgiving Service organized by Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources and Wife Pastor Patience Eno, who marked one year memorial of their mother, 35th marriage anniversary and appointment as a commissioner on Saturday, at Primary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
The governor who frowned at the level of blackmail peddled around persons occupying public office, stressed that persistent falsehood can only create enmity where non exists, and encouraged leaders to be firm while taking the right steps in their decisions.
The Chief Executive Officer of the State, thanked God for the life of Pastor Umo Eno, who God has preserved for 35 years marriage, and given the wisdom to pilot the affairs of public office as a commissioner and the legacy of his mother whom he celebrates even after her departure.
‘’I really want to thank the preacher I have learnt something today, it reminds me that human nature is the fact that we remember what we should forget, and forget what we should remember, because there are a lot of thing we need to forget.
“I know I have tried to forget so many as a governor all those people who wronged me, you know the Commissioner was trying to complain about the things they write, if they don’t write what do you think they will do?
“Your own is to keep focus and do what you are supposed to do. As long as you are in the position of leadership, you must be blackmailed, misunderstood, misquoted and misconstrued’’, the Governor noted.
Governor Emmanuel stated that Pastor Eno’s purpose of the thanksgiving shows his gratitude to God for giving him a mother who raised him to become a successful man, spared his wife’s life and also gave him experience in office as a Commissioner.
“The people might not know the reason you are thanking God over the life of your mother, it is a mystery the attachment of sons and mothers, so I understand the emotions and sentiments in remembering the life of your mother, especially the impact she created in your life.
“Sometimes last year when Covid-19 struck, you almost lost your wife, I thank God prayers were raised and today we can celebrate 35 years of marriage anniversary with your wife because she is alive. People might not know why you thanking God today as a Commissioner, especially considering your background but God raised you today you are here today”, Governor Emmanuel averred.
Reflecting on God’s mercies upon their lives, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno and wife Pastor Patience Eno, expressed gratitude to God for one year remembrance of Late Deaconess Eka Eno, mother of Pastor Umo Eno, who they said, lived a fulfilled life as a Christian, and impacted Christian virtues through her tutelage which has given him a firm background in life.
Pastor Eno, also thanked God for 35 years of fruitful marriage, bonded by love and togetherness to his wife, Pastor Patience Eno, recounting the days of little beginning and the journey so far, acknowledging that God has kept them through thick and thin.
Pastor Eno particularly expressed appreciation to Governor Emmanuel for appointing him to serve Akwa Ibom people as a Commissioner, adding that, the appointment has exposed him to public service which has added to his wealth of experience, having had a private sector background.
‘’Let me start by thanking God for the rare privilege He has given to us to be alive, last year we were gathered here to send my mother forth, we didn’t have so much crowd but today one year remembering her I know that in heaven she will be looking down and thanking God for all that is happening today.
“That woman meant a lot of things to us, our father left us at a very tender age, and she took up the role of a father and a mother and she made the best out of us and most of the things she taught me will leave with me till I meet her in glory.
“Today’s thanksgiving marks three important milestones in our lives, first, one year memorial of my mother Deaconess Eka Eno, second, to mark the 35th anniversary of my marriage to this daughter of Zion, the love of my life Patience, we thank God that she accepted to marry me, third, your Excellency is to thank God for my appointment as a Commissioner in your cabinet, I know I am the least qualified of all the cabinet members but I thank God you gave an opportunity to serve and for giving me space to learn, thank you for letting me understand public because my path never crossed that line”, he said.
He recounted how he nearly lost his wife to COVID-19 last year, maintaining that when the doctors have a verdict that she won’t be able to make it, God changed the narratives, adding that God used the Governor and his wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel to assist the family greatly to overcome that challenge.
In his homily, the guest minister, Rev. Simeon Afolabi who culled his text from Psalms 103: 1-5 reminded Christians that they ought to reflect on God’s faithfulness upon their lives and show gratitude for His mercies rather than remember unpleasant things which they ought to bury in the past.
Like the psalmists in the scriptures, the clergy said David when he recalled God’s mercies upon his life expressed appreciation, calling on Christians to emulate such virtues to attract more blessings from God.
‘The psalmist challenged himself not to forget God’s benefit in his life because as humans, sometimes we are quick to remember what we ought to have buried, we forget what he ought to remember there are a lot of people here who remember the hurt or the wound of 10 years ago, but cannot remember the kindness of last year”.
High point of the event was the cutting of the 35th marriage anniversary cake, while praises were offered to God.
Media Unit
Govt House, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State
