The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Imo state chapter, has described the recurrent unknown gunmen insurgency in the state as a mere challenge that would fizzle out in the shortest sketch of time.
Bishop Eches restated that Imo had from its creation been known nationwide for its hospitality and insisted that the current pandemonium would not prompt Imolites nor any lover of the state t to consign to oblivion its original attributes, hence peace and tranquillity.
The Clergy who admitted that the state had been chaotic in recent times,
pleaded that the current situation must not erase in a haste the peaceful memories the state has over the years engrafted in them, while reiterating that Imo has been known as a hospitable and tranquil state right from its creation.
Bishop Eches prided in the resilient nature of the state, stressing that the calamity would not persist, as Christians, according to him, have begun to pray for the restoration of orderliness.
He said: “To me, Imo state is a peaceful state irrespective of what we’re seeing. The problem we have been facing since the last one month since not take away the place of peace in Imo state. We’re known for resilience, we are known for peace and hospitality; Imo state is a place where people come to spend their weekends and have a very peaceful time out with their friends and families.
Bishop Eches made this appeal, during an interaction with Newsmen in Owerri, shortly after his Birthday Prayer Banquet which was held at CAN secretariat, Hospital Road, Owerri, the state’s capital, describing the present situation in the state as a mere challenge.
Bishop Eches enjoined Nigerians not to loose faith and hope in the state, while reassuring amidst an aura of optimism that, the state would in a twinkle of an eye, return to its original harmonious and receptive state, as it were.
He restated that the present challenge as suffered by the state would undoubtedly bring about a resounding positive turnaround in the state.
“What we see is challenge; to everyone and every life, there’s what we call phase and phases of life. So, this challenge, of course, is gonna change a lot of things, we’re gonna bounce back again very strong. So, I wouldn’t want anyone to paint us in anyway bad. Because when you see a spoke on a white surface and then you ask any average man what he sees, the person will not see the white surface but just the black spot.”
The CAN boss whose birthday celebration was basically a prayer section for the restoration of peace and tranquillity in the state, expressed profound confidence in the prayer answering God for an immediate positive testimonies.
“This is the first time since the creation of this state apart from Otokoto crisis in 1996, this is the time we are having this type of issue. Of course, you have admitted to the fact that parade churches in the land and the churches are doing the needful which is praying for the state and that’s why 90% of what we did in the birthday for today was praying for our land and I do believe that God has heard us and he shall restore peace and normalcy in the state.”
Meanwhile, highlight of the ceremony which had in attendance other Clergymen and traditional rulers in the state, was the presentation of gift items by the leadership of various Christian groups across the region.
In his remarks, Bishop Titus Akanabu described Bishop Eches as an embodiment of good leadership traits, as he prayed grace for consistency in the work of God in the state, upon the celebrant.
Bishop Akanabu who regretted that the source of the evil that had befallen the state was yet unknown, informed that the state would on Friday, April 30 pray, declaring an end to the recurrent violence, while calling from above the restoration of peace and stability in the state.
Titus said: “Life is progressively dynamic. Everyday presents new phases. PFN will tomorrow pray for state to say enough is enough to the situation. The source of the evil in the land is still unknown. We believe in the strength of the tongue; our confessions can bring an end to the present trend. We believe righteous shall someday sit over the affairs of Nigeria and when this happens, the word of God shall be manifested.”
