Otti: C&S Churches Instrumental to ‘New Abia’ Victory, Calls for Support for Labour Party
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has acknowledged the role of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) churches in the emergence of his administration, saying the churches stood in prayers and supported the Labour Party during the 2023 elections.
Governor Otti stated this on Sunday at the 2026 Umuahia Province Annual Adoption Thanksgiving Service of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, held at the Church Auditorium, Umuahia.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Governor said the story of the “New Abia” could not be written without acknowledging the contributions of Cherubim and Seraphim churches in the state.
He said the churches prayed for a change in 2023, preached for change and came out massively to vote for the Labour Party, adding that their support for his administration had continued through prayers, encouragement and moral support.
According to him, the progress recorded in the state was partly sustained by the prayers of the people, stressing that salaries and pensions are now regularly paid, while road construction and other development efforts are ongoing.
Otti urged Christians in the state to remain steadfast, saying the forthcoming general elections would be critical in determining the direction of the state.
He described the Labour Party as a platform through which Abia was delivered from its previous challenges and urged Cherubim and Seraphim, and other Christian faithful to remain with the party and vote for its candidates.
The Governor assured the church that his administration would continue to carry all faiths along, stressing that his government remained a government of all Abians.
Earlier in his sermon, the President Voice of Evangelism International, Houston Texas, USA.Senior Apostle, Dr. Emeka Agwu, spoke on the theme, “Chosen, Adopted and Called for His Glory,” urging Christians to remain steadfast in faith, prayer and service to God.
Agwu, who referenced passages from Jeremiah, Galatians and John, said believers who have been chosen and adopted by God should live according to the purpose and calling of Christ.
He also urged the congregation to combine faith with action, stressing the importance of prayer, commitment and living according to the word of God.
The cleric said challenges should be seen as opportunities for believers to demonstrate their faith and discover the strength God has placed in them.
In his remarks, the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna, said the thanksgiving was an opportunity to appreciate God for His faithfulness to the church, government and the people.
The service featured prayers for the Abia State Government and presentation of a gift to the government representative.
Among dignitaries present were the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief David Ogba Onuoha; Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, Labour Party stalwart, Chief Emeka Charles Kalu; and Special Assistant on Religious Activities to Governor, Apostle Kenneth C. Wiper among others.
