Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has carpeted detractors who used an Uyo-based newspaper, Global Concord, in telling lies and writing fabricated stories about the illness of the state’s Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Obong Paul Ekpo, and his administration.
Akpabio, speaking on Sunday at the thanksgiving service for Ekpo at the Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo, thanked God for sparing his life.
He said: “During the illness of Obong Ekpo, some were using opposition mouth-piece, Global Concord newspapers, to tell lies by writing fabricated stories against him and even my administration in spite of the massive transformation and development of the state.
“What I can say to the newspaper is that they are losers and can never win.
“The newspaper records an act of poor journalism that lacks the truth.
“I thank God for his life.
“That is why we are here today to sing and dance to celebrate his life.
“When I visited him in a German hospital, he was so sick.
“You would never understand what it means to be sick until when you see another person’s case.
“For two weeks, he ate no food, with tubes fixed into his mouth, nose and the body to relieve the pains in his body.
“For him to be alive today, is a great lesson that we must always hold unto God.
“For our lives is in the hands of God and no man can temper with it.
“This thanksgiving today is not only for the state PDP chairman but is for all of us, because we are all alive to see today and for Akwa Ibom State because of the great things that are happening here – the massive development in the state, which has totally changed the mentality of every Akwa Ibom child.”
Akpabio described Ekpo as a winner for being alive.
He urged him to be resolute in following God because with God all things are possible.
He said on January 2, 2013, the entire state would gather at the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo to dedicate the state to God.
Ekpo, who recovered from a six months illness, thanked God for his life and for giving Akpabio the wisdom to sponsor his treatment overseas.
He said: “If God had not been with me, the devil would have taken my life and today I have gotten victory.”
Ekpo also thanked his wife for taking care of the children while he was away and the founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, for his fervent prayers for his quick recovery, hinting that the facade stories about him when he was sick were mainly carried out by his enemies whom he has forgiven them.
The resident Pastor of Living Faith Church in Uyo, Pastor Joseph Ajibade, who read from Leviticus 22:9, spoke on the theme: “The Mystery Of the Sacrifice Of Christ.”
Ajibade said thanksgiving was a commandment ordained by God.
He said it was never too late to give thanks to God, for God is always looking for the thanksgiving of man because His mercies have always kept people alive.
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