The Christ Missionaries Crusaders International Church, Ekpan, Delta State played host to prominent politicians, traditional rulers and Christians from different dominations last week Sunday at a special thanksgiving service in honour of Chief James Ibori, former governor of Delta State.
The thanksgiving service according to the host, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa, presiding Archbishop of Christ Missionaries Crusaders and Chairman of CAN, South-South zone, as well as chairman of Niger Delta Bishops forum, was in fulfilment of his vow to God when he visited Ibori in his London prison.
According to Archbishop Avwomakpa: “When l visited the former Delta state governor in prison to pray with him, he told me to tell his people back home that he will return. As l walked out of the prison, I picked seven stones from the prison and prayed. I told God that if He allows Ibori to return to Nigeria sound and safe, I will honour Him with special thanksgiving” Avwomakpa therefore described the special thanksgiving service as a fulfilment of his vow to God.
He called on Christians to always remember to fulfill their vows whenever they made vow to God in secret in order to provoke God to do more wonders in their lives. In his sermon tagged after darkness comes light, Bishop Effiong Edet, from Cross River state described James lbori as a man who stood by the church and brought government closer to the church. Besides, he noted that Ibori brought peace to Delta state and fought for the entire Niger Delta region.
The programme which marked the end of a 21-day fasting and prayers was attended by Senator Dino Meleye, former Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, Prof G. G Darah and the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi of Owa amongst others.
Special prayers were offered to God by the clerics for the peace and unity of Nigeria, the restoration of Delta Steel complex, Aladja.
Amongst those who offered prayers were Archbishop Avwomakpa,
His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor, OON, the Obi of Owa and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Bishop Frank Aghoghovwia, Rev William Avwomakpa, amongst others.
Chief James Ibori in a brief remark thanked the church for the special thanksgiving service and pleaded with church leaders to stand in the gap to pray continuously for the peace and unity of Nigeria. The former governor of Delta state who turns 58 on August 4 also asked the church to pray for him.
Ese Godwin Otedoh, media strategist to the ministry described the special thanksgiving as a reminder of the need for people to play their roles when God keeps to His covenant with his people.
– Ovie Edomi, Special Adviser on media to Archbishop Avwomakpa