Thank you Mr. Auta for breaking the jinx on trying to explain what happened.
It has been hard for me to give a response to lots of posts reflecting views on the partial understanding of what Mr. Abdullah Adamu said and how that he gave his adrress from the pulpit at the funeral service of Late Chief Abaine Angbazo, the late Aren Eggon. Whichever way, lots of those concerned may still not be satisfied with what happened.
First, one of the Chiefs was asked by ECWA General Secretary, as provided for on the program of events, to say something about the late Aren Eggon. The instruction was for him to be given a microphone to speak from where all the Chiefs were positioned in the Church building. The Chief ignored the instruction, walked to the pulpit, and made his speech.
When, as Mr. Auta explained, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo, one of the Late Chiefs sons, invited Mr. Adamu and Nasarawa State governor to use a part of his time to greet the people (and he was permitted to), they also walked up to the pulpit.
1. A clear instruction was given but ignored.
2. The program was live on ECWA television. Many other media outfits were present and covering.
3. ECWA Executive or any other pastors at the program could not have started a fight to hold anyone back. That would have been unthinkable.
4. Those conversant with Mr. Adamu knew he would shout “Praise the Lord”. A Bishop from Akwanga who sat beside me told me Mr. Adamu would do so as soon as Mr Angbazo Jr. invited him. He had been shouting so during Christian gatherings for reasons each reader may interprete but best known to him.
5. Mr. Angbazo who invited Mr. Adamu and Nasarawa State governor may not be blamed either. The late Aren Eggon worked closely with Mr. Adamu when Adamu was governor. Mr. Adamu respected him immensely as a Christian Chief in the State. So also the current governor, Mr. Sule.
6. Lessons have been learned from what happened.
7. The Church must not compare itself to other religions, even when they are too rigid to allow us be and do. We are not the same. The difference is clear.
8. There are some “NOT VERY ESSENTIAL” things the Church should be concerned about but MUST NOT put ahead of godliness and making Jesus Christ known. Such should, to my mind, include wearing of cap by a none Christian in Church service.
I thank everyone for exercising patience and caution in such matters as reported. May we all remain calm.
Rev. Romanus Ebenwokodi, ECWA Public Relations Officer.
