Achudume Harps On Nation Building, Eulogizes Late Prelate Mbang
UYO – Nigeria’s political leaders have been urged to re-dedicate themselves to nation building and shun all forms of corrupt practices for the country to attain the dream of its founding fathers.
The Senior Pastor of the Victory Life Bible Church, Apostle Lawrence Achudume made this known at a programme tagged ‘Night Of Praise’, held in honour of the late Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Sunday Mbang CON, at the Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, on Monday.
According to the Clergyman, the late Prelate was very passionate about the development of his country, noting that he used his radical approach to Christianity to drive home the need for the liberation of the citizens from hardship.
“Mbang used his radical approach to Christianity to advocate freedom for the oppressed and social development for the citizens”.
Apostle Achudume who observed that the desired change has not been witnessed in Nigeria posited that the country needs more of the likes of Mbang to champion the cause of the masses.
The VLBC Senior Pastor while going down memory lane said that the radical nature of Dr. Mbang actually attracted him to the late Prelate in the 80s, while he served as the President of the Christian Union and NFES.
He added that they both became very close and maintained a father-son relationship, recalling how he used to tap from Dr. Mbang’s wealth of experience and wisdom each time he visited him from Abeokuta.
Apostle Achudume described the late Dr. Mbang as a rebel in the cassock who was very contented, humble and lived a very simple life till he breathed his last.
“Mbang was a rebel in the cassock and didn’t seek for fame or wealth but for the freedom and liberation of humanity. His strong desire was to see one Nigeria”.
Apostle Achudume noted that the late Dr. Mbang was a dogged fighter who confronted leaders like General Ibrahim Babangida, the late General Sanni Abacha and ensured that General Abdulsalami Abubakar conducted elections to usher in democratic government within a year.
He added that the blunt stance of the late Prelate emeritus on national issues, and his forthrightness brought him into contact with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as they both became very Good friends.
While appreciating the children of the deceased Eminent Clergyman led by Sir Ini Mbang, for organizing a series of programmes in honour of their father, Apostle Achudume urged them to continue to uphold his sterling legacies.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi, Archbishop Idem Okon, Archbishop Sunday Uko, His Eminence Udo Ekpeyong, Bishop Arabia Umanah, Bishop Imoh Otong, among others.