In keeping to the Biblical injunction that Christians should always give thanks in all things, High Chief Ikechi Emenike and his family on Friday December 27 observed their annual thanksgiving with abundance of praises.
The thanksgiving service, which has become a family tradition for the Emenikes, was held at St John Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala, Umuahia North Local Government with friends, political associates and well-wishers, joining the family in prayer, songs and praises.
Hymns and choruses filled the air as the congregation sang with the appreciative Emenike family, raising their voices to heaven in prayer, songs and praises to the Almighty God for His goodness, mercy, protection and sustenance.
The Bible readings taken by Emenike’s children and his wife, Dr Mrs. Uzoma Emenike, who is the immediate past Ambassador of Nigeria to the U.S, were all reflective of the theme of the thanksgiving service: “Our Redeemer Liveth”(Job 19.25).
A drama performance by the youths of the Church also captured the theme, sending out a poignant message that God will never abandon His own irrespective of the circumstances.
Interestingly, Emenike, who was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, has not allowed the disappointing outcome of the poll to dampen his faith in God hence his proclamation that “our redeemer liveth”.
Alluding to the poll outcome, Emenike said that the cloud might appear gloomy but the rays of the sun would still penetrate and brighten the sky. He, therefore, counseled that people should always make time to thank God no matter the situation because He never fails.
Described by the Minister in charge of St. John MCN, Umukabia, Rev T.M. Ejim as “a man with good heart, a man of grace, a man of honour, and a man who loves God”, Emenike reaffirmed his absolute trust and confidence in the Almighty.
In his homily at the thanksgiving service, the Founder/President, God’s Heritage Ministries International, Port Harcourt, Rev Felix Akara, lauded Chief Emenike for always making out time to thank God in every circumstance.
He particularly noted that the entire family have consistently come together for the thanksgiving service every year, a testimony to their unity and cohesion anchored on responsible parental love and care.
Akara, whose wife, Rev Gloria Nanya, was the running mate to Emenike at the 2023 poll, described the development economist cum politician as a great leader, who is straightforward and has impacted positively on the society by building human capital.
However, the man of God regretted that the Nigeria paradox has made it difficult for visionary and forthright people like Emenike to gain access to executive political power because “his kind is usually resisted”.
Preaching a message of hope, Akara stated that Nigeria would eventually emerge from the current economic hardships and massive loss in value of the national currency.
“It baffles me that in my own generation I’m watching the value of the Naira degenerate so much that a loaf of bread today costs as much as a brand new in the 80s,” he said.
But the cleric insisted that the bad situation would eventually expire, saying, “I see a great Nigeria coming, a nation devoid of corruption, a nation rid of insecurity, hunger and illiteracy”.
“We are looking forward to a nation that is not mocked at the entry points (of other nations), a country where justice, equity and righteousness will be the cornerstone,” Rev Akara said.
After the thanksgiving service, Emenike Abia APC members assuring them that the party would emerge stronger and well repositioned for future electoral successes after the setback it suffered in 2023.
He stated that the rebuilding process of the party would start in earnest by the end of the first quarter of 2025, adding that Abia APC remains strong even though the governorship poll did not work out in its favour.
“We are not down. Those who think we’re down should wait and see. We’re going to rebuild,” he said.
The Abia APC leader noted that the party’s chance at the 2023 poll in Abia was wrecked by some members that didn’t share in the passion for the development of the state as outlined in his vision.
He said that Abia APC has found itself among the opposition parties because internal saboteurs engaged in “deliberately coordinated” schemings that led to the destruction of all that the party had invested for a favourable outcome at the poll.
But the former governorship flag bearer encouraged genuine party members to remain steadfast because “as our redeemer liveth, we shall overcome in Jesus name”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Abia APC, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu said that the party leadership was yet to come to terms with the electoral injury inflicted on the party by those that preteneed to be members.
“If not because of sabotage we will not be in the opposition in Abia State today,” he lamented.
Nonetheless, he enjoined the party faithful to remain steadfast and strong with the hope that “tomorrow will be better, by God’s grace”.
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