The Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese of the Catholic Church, Most Reverend Camillus Umoh has called on Nigerians to shun all acts of divisiveness, hated and discrimination against each other.
Preaching on the theme, ‘We Have Come from East to Worship the King’, culled from Matthew 2:1-12, at the first Sunday Service of 2025 to mark the beginning of another year of Jubilee and to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Christ, Umoh called on everyone to “embrace the essence of the gift of Jesus Christ to the world as the Wise Men from the East did
He said they should shun all acts of divisiveness, discrimination and hatred, while reconciling with fellow men, ” adding that they should “take decisions and actions that would impact humanity positively by drawing closer to God through his son, Jesus Christ.
Earlier, Governor Umo Eno who was in attendance promised to provide “responsible leadership and ensure respect for past leaders, devoid of any political or ethnic bias.”
He expressed his admiration for the Catholic Church for their tradition of orderliness and discipline, and lauded the Catholic faithful of Ikot Ekpene Diocese led by Bishop Camillus Umoh, for their prayers and support.
According to him, being in government is an opportunity to serve, and everyday must be made to count, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that his administration serves as an example for all Pastors who seek elective offices.
“We thank the Church for their prayers and for the support they have shown their own.
“I know really, that the success of this Government will be a referendum for the Church, and to a large extent, will be the success for the church in Akwa Ibom, and will also give credence to any pastor in the future who will want to seek public office.
“So I hold this position in trust with all amount of care and diligence,” the Governor said.
Recollecting how his administration has been deliberate in ensuring equitable spread of development projects across the various constituencies of the State, the Governor assured that he will continue to pursue peace and unity in the State through inclusiveness, as demonstrated in the 2025 budget.
“We have tried, by the grace of God, to show leadership across ethnic lines and across political lines in this State.
“We have in all honesty pursued unity for our State because it is on that basis that there will be the peace that we have been praying for. We have tried as much as possible to show respect to our leaders.
“At this point in their lives, people that have been here before us, only need our respect and recognition.”