…the church is non-partisan but will no longer fold our arms in critical times – Archbishop

By Prince Ejeh Josh 

The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Enugu, has pledged to work for the electoral victory of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Peter Mbah in the 2023 general election. 

The church made the declaration at the Wesley Cathedral, Uwani, Enugu, on Tuesday when Methodist bishops, priests, leadership of the laity and worshippers drawn across the state converged to pray for Mbah’s success at the polls.

Addressing Mbah and his entourage, Hon. Chuks Nnamegbo, who spoke on behalf of the laity, said the church members, as a way of exercising their political rights, had resolved to be partisan in the coming election and take sides with the best candidate, who has the capacity to deliver good governance and fulfill electoral promises.

Nnamegbo maintained that Mbah had unveiled the best development plans for the state. 

“We are members of this diocese, and let me declare that we are not going to be neutral. We are going to vote Barrister Peter Mbah as our next governor. Methodist Church will vote for Dr. Mbah because he is the best candidate for the job,” he stressed.

Speaking earlier, the Archbishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Christopher Edeh, commended Mbah for seeking the face of God in the journey to Enugu's Government House, praying God to grant him his heart's desires.  

The Archbishop, who reiterated that the church remained apolitical, however, insisted that it would not fold its arms and watch evil men take over the reign of leadership in the state and in Nigeria.

While quoting biblical passages, Archbishop Edeh maintained that it is God’s wish for the church and Christians to play their civic role in the society, including participating in the processes of bringing in righteous leaders into leadership positions. 

Noting that it was time to end the era of incompetence, thugs, and evil men taking over the country’s seats of power, the revered Bishop stressed that Mbah had taken a righteous path by allowing God to order his way.

According to him, the country needed competent, credible and committed people regardless of political parties because of the critical time Nigeria had found itself in.

Commending Mbah’s support for the church long before his intention to seek elective office, Bishop Edeh described him as a fellow and friend of the church, who would not be abandoned.

Reacting to the church’s prayer and endorsement, Mbah said it was an honour and privilege for the church to pray for his success in the 2023 governorship election, adding that his vision and mission statements were in consistent with that of the church, which is to improve the welfare of the people by lifting them out of the pit of poverty.

Mbah, who recalled how the church helped in shaping his moral compass, worldview and intellectual horizons, stated that those values had made him a responsible, dedicated, and hardworking citizen craving to serve humanity in different ways. 

He further re-affirmed his desire to end poverty in the state by creating massive job opportunities for the youths, women and the citizens in general.

The foremost gubernatorial candidate expressed confidence that, by partnering the church, especially with their spiritual support and prayers, the unprecedented vision of making the state an attractive destination for investment would be realised.

While assessing the critical situations in the country, Mbah promised to deliver people-focused leadership as well as deliver quality and robust governance.