Most Rev. Ekpenyong Akpanika, newly elected Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), is making moves to end ungodly practices in the Church’s elections.
Akpanika disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar after his election during the week-long church’s 25th general assembly which commenced on Aug. 11.
NAN reports that the prelate, who was elected during the 176th Anniversary and 25th General Assembly Meeting of the Church held in Calabar garnered 451 votes to defeat Most Rev. Daniel Etim and Rt. Rev. Edem Etok, who scored 355 and 4 votes respectively.
He said as he highlighted in his manifesto, there was an urgent need to pursue peace and mend fences as a way of building synergy without which the church cannot grow.
According to him, “the process that produced us as principal officers of our church to my mind left much to be desired because it involved several ungodly, unchristian and unethical practices.
“I will liaise with other principal officers to immediately commence the process of electoral reforms to ensure that the next election of any Officer of the Church is done strictly in accordance with the Presbyterian watch-word.
“This implies that in every Presbyterian election, we will live above board and to the glory of God and endeavour to be a living example of the biblical model of the leadership process.
“I enjoin all those who have at one time or the other given up hope on PCN for one reason or the other to rekindle their hope and come back ‘for the glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former, Haggai 2 verse 9,” he said.
Akpanika pledged to work cordially with everyone including the administrative staff in promoting the peace and unity of the church.
He added that every member of the church was invited to come on board with their talents and potential so that the PCN of their dream could be built.
Akpanika took over from His Eminence Nzie Eke who was elected prelate of PCN six years ago and served for two terms.