By Daniel Kanu
Assistant Politics Editor
Nzie Eke emerged prelate/moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN) at the end of the 22nd General Assembly at its Yaba Parish Cathedral in Lagos.
He took over from Emele Uka who has completed his two-year tenure.
PCN has been in existence for 170 years.
Due to the huge number of delegates and guests expected at the assembly, all hotels with good accommodation space in Yaba and its environ were fully booked two weeks before the event.
Delegates were drawn from all the synods which comprise West, North, South Central, East Central, Akwa, Mid East, Niger Delta, Calabar, East, and Upper Cross River.
Attendees included Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; Presidential Adviser on Legislative Matters, Ita Enang; and Anya, O. Anya.
The theme for this year was “Be Sanctified’’.
Osinbajo (a pastor in the Redeemed Church of God) in his keynote address admonished Christians to emulate Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings rather than seeking an easy way out, contrary to the Word of God.
He reiterated that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is contrariness. “It is contrary to what we believe, contrary to the desires of our hearts, and contrary to our individual expectations.
“Jesus Christ did not come to preach the Gospel that pleases human sensibilities and desires. For instance, He taught that we should pray for our enemies. This, from human considerations, is difficult, if not impossible.
“Man would rather wish that God should punish, and even destroy his enemies. But Jesus taught otherwise.
“Unfortunately, the Gospel we preach today is not the Gospel Jesus handed down to us. Today, the popular theology is prosperity Gospel. The things that saturate our desires and not things that lead to eternal life.
“Jesus says we should seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and all other things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33).”
Ikpeazu, who received an award, praised the exploits of the church as it has greatly witnessed the correct Gospel of Jesus Christ in Nigeria and beyond as well as in many socially-relevant and need-meeting activities.
He cited his administration’s performance so far, saying he would ensure Abia is given a developmental dose for its transformation to the next level.
“I am specially honoured to be given an award by the PCN for whatever I have achieved. I think I have just begun. There is more ahead to do.
“I have restrained myself from accepting any award for whatever achievements God has enabled us to achieve. But I decided to accept this honour because this is the church I love and respect.
“I respect the church for all the great things you stand for, particularly the Hope Waddell Training Institution which has remained a pivot in the education subsector of this great country.
“As I told the PCN prelate when he called on me at Government House, Umuahia, I see the Hope Waddell University project with the eye of my Hope Waddell Training Institution experience and I am going to key into the university project adequately and effectively.”
The programme witnessed the heavy presence of God as holy communion was served.
Eke pledged to move the church forward in all its ramification. He prayed for God’s blessings and journey mercies for those who attended the assembly as well as for peace in Nigeria.
Eke, who was born on September 25, 1952, hails from Ohafia, Abia State. He was ordained at St Andrew, Uwani Enugu in July 1963 and licensed at Hope Waddell Chapel, Calabar in July 1982.
Synod of the West Moderator, Marvelous Kalu, said Eke has distinguished himself in the work of God in the PCN and merits the position.
He expressed optimism that Eke’s tenure will be peaceful and fulfilling in God’s vineyard.