By Ayodele Oni
More condolence messages are still pouring in to honour the Prelate of Methodist Church, Dr Sunday Mbang who died on Wednesday.
President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a tribute described the late Mbang as a man of great faith for his absolute belief in God and unflinching love for his country.
In a condolence message, signed by Tunde Rahman, the President-elect applauded the virtues of the former President of Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) for his service in the Lord’s vineyard as a formidable man of faith and one who worked tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, religious tolerance and national unity during his earthly sojourn.
Tinubu recalled the courage and steadfastness of Dr. Mbang as a pro-democracy fighter, even as a man in cassock during the heady days of General Sani Abacha military junta, saying the clergyman didn’t compromise the pulpit in pursuit of worldly gains.
The President-elect said in the statement: “I received the news of the passing of Dr. Sunday Mbang, former Prelate of Methodist Church of Nigeria, with much sadness but we are thankful to God for a life well spent in the service to God and humanity.
“Dr. Mbang fought for truth, justice, fairness and for the welfare of the people of Nigeria under a draconian military dictatorship even at great risks to his own life.
“He was a man of great faith who gave his all to make the world and his country, Nigeria, better than he met it. He lived a fruitful and blessed life and passed on peacefully at 86.
“We will remember his devotion and commitment to promoting the Christian faith in Nigeria as Head of Methodist Church, as Prelate Emeritus and as President of Christian Association of Nigeria.
“We will remember how he proclaimed righteousness on his pulpit and fought on the side of Nigerian people against military dictatorship, oppression, poverty and emasculation of the civic space.
“We will remember how he lived his life to promote love, tolerance and peaceful coexistence as building blocks for a prosperous nation.
“We mourn the exit of a giant among the clergy and a rare patriot. May God keep his family, loved ones, Methodist Church of Nigeria, and the entire Christian community. May Dr. Mbang find rest in heaven. Amen. “
