President of the World Church of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Ted N C Wilson has stated that every decision made by leaders in government or spiritual affairs should be grounded on justice and mercy and done in humility before God and the people.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, at the State House in Uyo, Pastor Wilson also appealed to the governor to use the instrumentality of his office to encourage state institutions to provide alternative opportunities for Seventh-Day Adventists and other Sabbath keepers to participate in elections, examinations and community clean-up exercises outside of the Sabbath hours. He urged that the issue of the Sabbath was a matter of conscience and conviction and as such citizens’ rights to observe the Sabbath without let or hindrance should be acknowledged and respected.
Pastor Wilson thanked the governor and his cabinet for waiting for him for over two hours as a result of challenges in the pastor’s flight arrangements. He also praised industrialists, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Dr Deji Adeleke for making private jets available for his use.
Pastor Wilson invited the governor to the October 28 Sabbath Service holding at the Ikot Ekpene stadium as part of activities lined for the Year-end Council of the West-Central Africa Division
Responding, Governor Eno thanked the GC president for dropping by with his team. He pledged that he and his team will serve the people of Akwa Ibom with commitment, competence and compassion, knowing that they will give account to God on the day of judgment. He indicated that the philosophy of his government, which is informed by his strong Christian background and values, is anchored on the ARISE agenda. ARISE is the acronym for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management and Educational Advancement. Besides the governor, also present at the event was the deputy governor, Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwa, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom as well as other top government functionaries.
On the pastor’s entourage was his wife, Mrs Nancy Wilson, Associate Treasurer of the General Conference, Elder George Egwakhe and his wife, officers of the West-Central Africa Division, officers of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference, and others.
Pastor Wilson is in Nigeria to lead the grand finale of the year-long celebration of the Centenary of Adventism in Eastern Nigeria.