Arewa Christians And Indigenous Pastors Association (ACIPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to praying for Bornu State, the Shehu of Bornu, HRM Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi and the Executive Governor of the state, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The association’s reaffirmation was contained in a copy of the account of its recent Bornu Prayer, Peace and Development Conference, obtained by Christian Benefits magazine. Below is the details of the account signed by the association’s general secretary, Barrister Sylvia Timonthy Kumtong.
The Arewa Christians And Indigenous Pastor’s Association (ACIPA) team left Jos for Maiduguri, Borno state on Thursday 3rd March 2022 in the morning but had to arrive Maiduguri the next day on Thursday 4th March. This was as a result of an unfortunate incidence. The fan belt and driving shaft of the engine cut off some 20 kilometers to Potiskum in Yobe state.
The team arrived Damaturu in the evening in another vehicle after hours of delay. We had no option than to sleep over in Damaturu and proceed to Maiduguri the next morning on Thursday 4th March 2022.
ACIPA’s team met with the organising committee and the Congress Of Northern Nigerian Christians (CNNC) Borno state chapter for the two days conference on “Prayers, Peace And Development In Maiduguri, Borno state.
The conference which was held on the 4th and 5th of March at St. John’s Anglican Church Maiduguri featured presentation of paper by His Lordship, Rt. Rev. Dr. (Amb.) Emmanuel Morris, Anglican Bishop of Maiduguri and the guest Speaker was Rev. Dr Luke Shehu, President ACIPA.
The conference witnessed a cross section of people within and outside Maiduguri. Also in attendance were Barr Simon Malgwi, (Head of Service Borno state) , Hon. Comrade Juliena Bitrus ( Commission of Health Borno state) and Hon. Nuhu Clark (Commissioner of Poverty Alliviation).
On Sunday 6th March, a thanks giving service and award presentation to some Christians dignitaries who contributed immensely in the promotion of Peace and development within the Christian community and Borno state at large was held at St John’s Anglican Church Maiduguri were the Anglican Bishop of Maiduguri, Rt. Rev. Dr. (Amb.) Emmanuel Morris hosted us warmly.
After church service, we decided to pay a visit to EYN LCB church that was demolished by the Borno state government in Malganari, Maiduguri sometimes last year where we met Rev Auta Ndahi, the leading pastor of the church and some elders of the church. The association Sympathized with the church and the family of late Ezekiel Tumba who lost his life during the demolition.
ACIPA and CNNC also went on a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi in his Palace. The visit featured special prayers for the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi the Governor of Borno and the state at large for God to restore back Peace to the state and the country.
The President of ACIPA in person of Rev. Dr. Luke Shehu presented his plight over the everyday killings in the country and also prayed that God will expose the Perpetrators of such evil. Rev Luke also urge His Royal Highness to use his good office to protect the lives of both Christians and Muslim and to also restore back peace.
The Shehu of Borno in response to the President’s speech appreciated the organization for finding him wordy of our visit. He said there are only 3 things we can do to conquer the insurgency which:
- We should pray fervently both Muslims and Christians to Almighty God for his intervention
- Provide useful information to security personnel and
- Join hands together to fight the insurgency no matter your religion. The Shehu concluded by saying that he gives his support one hundred percent to our peace and development efforts and that his gates are wide open for ACIPA and CNNC at anytime.
In conclusion, ACIPA appreciate with gratitude the warm welcome and hosting by the organising committee and the CNNC Borno state chapter under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Toma Ragnjiya.
ACIPA remains committed to praying for Borno state, the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi and the Executive governor, H.E Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
Below are some pictures taken during the thanks giving service in church and the visit to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, HRH, Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
– Barrister Sylvia Timothy Kumtong, ACIPA Gen. Secretary.
