Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Wednesday, cautioned church leaders and preachers against indulging in false doctrines.
Governor Oborevwori gave the advice in his remarks at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at the Anglican Cathedral Church of the Ascension, Boji-Boji Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area of the State.
He said the Theme: “Who is on the Lord’s side; Contending with Apostasy in our Generations” is most appropriate and timely, adding that church leaders must avoid dishing out false prophecies.
He said the Anglican Communion has been very active in advocating for good governance and commended the Church for it’s prayers for the nation and for its support to the poor and less privileged in the nation.
Governor Oborevwori said: “It is always a thing of joy for me to interact with our fathers of faith anytime I am in their midst. I thank you for your labour of love and for your prayers for the government at all levels.
“We know what is happening in the country but we are surviving today because of the prayers of the church for the nation. Some nations don’t have these kind of challenges but they are divided today, but Nigeria is still one.
“We thank God for the commitment of our church leaders who have continued to stand in the gap for the nation. The Church of Nigeria has been very active in advocating for good governance while rendering assistance to the poor and needy in the society.
“The theme of this year’s Standing Committee meeting is most appropriate and timely because we are living in an age where false teachers and wrong doctrines are spreading like wild fire.
“I am saying this because before I was sworn-in, somebody who called himself a Prophet said I will not survive three months in office and the thing went viral and I said only the will of God will stand.
“This is the first time I am saying it publicly. We must do the right thing and I am happy that I am serving a living God.
“I urge our fathers in faith not to stop praying for this nation because there are challenges and it is only with prayers that we in government can succeed.
“Coming to hold this programme here is a blessing to this state and if we have the opportunity to continue holding it here, we will continue to support.
“I trust that this meeting will canvass ways for the global body of Christ to rise to the challenge and stop the mouth of these apostates and save some who might otherwise be deceived.”
On the political scene, he said; “while acknowledging our current economic challenges, I urge you to encourage your followers to remain prayerful and expectant of a better tomorrow.
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“Here in Delta, we are working very hard to do more for our people because I promised Deltans that we are going to do more. We can only achieve this with the support and cooperation of all and I know that we are going to get the necessary support.
“As a government, we will continue to explore ways to partner with the church to achieve inclusive economic growth and sustainable economic development.
“The church is a very strong ally of government and this partnership is good for peace and stability of the nation.”
Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba in his speech, commended Governor Oborevwori for his support to the church and for his outstanding accomplishments since coming into office.
On the state of the nation, Archbishop Ndukuba said the issues of economy, security, fighting endemic corruption and addressing infrastructural deficit remains major issues bedeviling the country.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to quickly respond to security issues such as the ongoing constant attacks in Plateau state and other parts of the country.
Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel, The Most Rev’d Cyril Odutemu, in his remark, said the call to know those truly on the Lord’s side is not only apt but necessary to help the church save herself from a multitude of men whose mission is to destroy the chosen race and cut off the vision of arriving in heaven.
In his welcome address, Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt Rev’d Geoffrey Ekpenisi commended the Primate for trusting the Diocese to host the entire Church of Nigeria through the Standing Committee meeting and expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and wife, Dame Edith Okowa for supporting the Diocese to host the Standing Committee meeting.
