By Philip Yatai

The Archdiocese of Abuja Methodist Church Nigeria has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for the changes he is bringing to the territory, Abuja.

The archbishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, gave the commendation when he and other bishops of the church visited the minister in his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Akinwale, describing the changes as revolutionary, also commended the minister for the improved security being experienced in the FCT.

“We commend you for trying to maintain the Abuja Master Plan and of course, the security which you have provided.

“Today, we can sleep with our two eyes closed. Within the last two months, it has been very, very traumatic, and we commend you on that,” he said.

Describing Abuja as Nigeria’s commonwealth, the bishop expressed confidence in the capacity of the minister to get things done the right way in the capital city.

He explained that the visit was to congratulate the minister, identify with him and wish him well as he steers the affairs of the FCT, leading it to greatness.

“Our duty as a church is to pray for our leaders; those who have been placed in authority of leadership to lead the people,” he said.

The cleric also informed the minister of the forthcoming annual apostolic visit of the head of the Methodist mission, Most Rev. Oliver Aba, to Abuja.

Responding, Wike thanked the delegation for the visit, stressing that the church’s role in keeping the country together was very important.

He assured the church and other religious groups of continued partnership and appealed for continued prayers for Nigeria and its leaders, including the president.

“We require prayer for peace; we require prayer for stability; we require prayer for this country to move forward.

“The church and other religious groups have been praying for this nation to remain together, and therefore, whatever we can do to support, we will always do.

“We will do all that we can to make Abuja the city that everybody will be proud of,” he said.

According to the minister, the government is trying to handle issues of insecurity and infrastructure and promised not to let anybody down. (NAN)

Edited by Moses Solanke