The Gbom Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, has enjoined Nigerians, especially clerics, to embrace the spirit of integrity in service to God and humanity as a means of encouraging probity and accountability both in religious and political leadership in Nigeria.
The paramount ruler of the Birom nation gave this advice at the dedication and public presentation of a book entitled Call To God’s Service and Integrity: The Ministry of Rev Dr Deme Bot – Lesson for Today’s Church & Leaders, written by a former Deputy Clerk House of Representatives (DCHR), Dr Abel Daniel Ochigbo at the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Evangel Worship Center (ETS), Jos Plateau state, Sunday.
Stating that the drive for accumulation of wealth and mundane things has made integrity a scarce commodity among Nigerians today, Da Jacob Gyang Buba said if census would be taken on people of honesty and integrity in the nation today – in God’s estimation – there would perhaps not be up to 10 Nigerians who would meet the standard.
The royal father described Rev Deme Bot, whose path crossed his as a member of the Birom Elders’ Council, as “an upright man, hero and exemplary leader and respected son of Birom” whose strength of character should be copied.
The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev Pastor Ejikeme Ejim, described Rev Bot as “the minister of the gospel who laid the foundation for successful planting of churches, particularly in Northern part of Nigeria, leaving legacies of harmony and righteous living to be emulated by all Christians everywhere he worked.”
Rev Ejim was represented by Rev Haruna Tutu, District Superintendent, Saminaka District and Executive Council (EC) Representative of the Assemblies of God Nigeria.
Author of the book, Dr Abel Ochigbo said he was buoyed by the exemplary lifestyle of the retired minister of the gospel to document his character, charisma and leadership style, and called on the Christendom to emulate the septuagenarian for his doggedness in ministry amid festering challenges.
Clerics, politicians, women groups and youth from all walks of life attended the book launch, including: Rev Jacob D Langs, District Superintendent Jos District & EC Rep; Rev Ezekiel Solomon Fei, District Superintendent Jos Mainland District; Rev Prof Williams Mbamalu, President Theological Seminary of Northern Nigeria, Saminaka; Rev David Davou, Area Chairman Gwol Area; Rev Victor Moses Juwanan, Area Chairman Tim Area; Rev Dr Charles Oyeneran, book reviewer; and Hon Rimamande Shawulu, a member of the House of Representatives, among others.
