Since the establishment of the Bonny Annual Prayer Summit in 2005 in conjunction with the arms of leaders in the Bonny Island, with the authority of the Amanyanabo-In-Council, the Bonny Local Government Council and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bonny Chapter.
On Saturday 22nd November, 2014 all Christians in Bonny rolled out their drums to organize the 9th edition of Bonny Annual Prayer Summit tagged; “I have heard their cry”. The annual prayer took place at the Ibanise Hall, Akiama/Oguede Road, Bonny, the headquarters of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State attracted all Christian faithful of different denominations.
In their goodwill messages, the Bonny Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Amb. Kuro Tamunonye B.B. (JP), the local government council boss, Hon. Warisenibo Adonye Wilcox on behalf of the staff, members of the caretaker committee and the good people of Bonny commend and thanked His Majesty and CAN for their concern, thoughtfulness and initiative of this salubrious 9th edition Bonny annual prayer summit.
The council boss described the theme for this year’s prayer summit as “I have their cry” (Ex. 3:7) as most apt in view of the mounting socio-economic, political and security challenges the country has been facing in the recent time.
Hon. Wilcox added that at such critical moments and most especially as is opposite to Bonny LGA concerted and combined endeavor of both intellectual and spiritual component of our society is needful in addressing these challenges.
He, however cited on the leading role of Mary in the book of Bible (Ps. 127:1 and Prov. 3:5-6) respectively. Saying that in the light of the desire and determination of His Majesty, King of Bonny Kingdom in conjunction with CAN and the Bonny Local Government Council to proffer peaceful and purposeful leadership to the people.
Hon. Wilcox takes his bible reading from Acts Chapter 7:20-34. The council chairman noted that the ninth Bonny Annual Prayer Summit will bring a fruitful years to come.
In his message to Bonny CAN the Very Rev. Richard I. Hart of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny.
Quote from St. Paul, “My heart desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved (Rom. 10:1) shunning all appearances of unrighteousness in our kingdom.
He admitted the theme “I have heart their cry” (Ex. 3:7) noting that it is a very restoring both to the body and soul. It’s a theme which reassures us of God’s virtues of grace, mercy, love and faithfulness in the face of all odds.
The cleric charged the king, chiefs, elders and good people of Bonny to gather and cry unto God, “may His promises in your theme come alive. Adding that may our land be redeemed from all evil and error, may safety, righteousness, progress and peace be upon the land of Bonny.
In his speech, the Amanyanabo-In-Council, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple who was represented by Se-Alabo Justin Jim-Halliday welcomed and thanked the organizers of the 9th edition of Bonny Annual Prayers Summit.
The Se-Alabo noted that the King’s absence is do to unavoidable circumstance trip. He, however lauded CAN and other participants to be courageous.
On behalf of the king, Se-Alabo Justin Jim-Halliday commended the Guest Speaker Rev. Fr. Tombari Dee and other Ministers of God who graced this year’s annual prayer.
In his remarks, the coordinator, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Bonny Chapter, Rev. (Amb) Kuro-Tamunonye B.B. (JP) welcomed all participants and clergy men who honor the invitation to graced the 9th edition of Bonny Annual Prayer Summit.
The CAN coordinator lauded the king and the CTC chairman for their immense support in making this year’s edition of the annual prayer a huge success. According to the coordinator, “we are here to renew the covenant made with God last year”. He charged the traditional rulers and the government to work as a team and dismiss act of iniquity in their minds so as to move the kingdom forward.
The man of God appealed to youths in the area to shun violence, urging them not to be used by the politicians as thugs during the elections in the area. He stressed the need to embrace dialogue.
The Christian leader frowned against selling land(s) to Muslims to build mosque in Bonny Island. He, however called on those in authority to always agitate for good developmental projects meant for Bonny LGA that will bring employment and empowerment of our youths.
In conclusion, the coordinator confirmed that the prayer summit was a 3-days programme. He noted that a day before CAN has sanctified all important areas in Bonny Kingdom.
In his quotations, he emphasis on 1st Samuel chapter 12:20-25.
The clergy man suggested to traditional institution and government in the area to allow 25th December for Christian festive alone and not mix with fetish culture such as Nwaotan day celebrations. Saying that Christianity was established 150 years ago before Nwaotan in Bonny. Adding that Bonny as a kingdom needs to embrace God.
In his summon, the guest speaker of the day, Rev. Fr. Tombari Dee preached against pharaoh style of leadership that does not have respect and fear of God.
The guest minister charge those in authority of leadership to lead their people like Moses and put God first in all their endeavors so as the Lord will always hear their prayers.
Fr. Dee stated that any nation that does not have regard for God perishes. He urged the traditional rulers and government to rule like Moses and not like Pharaoh.
Earlier in his address, the Planning Committee chairman, Amasenibo (Sir) Fred S. Pepple thanked the Amanyanabo –in-Council, the Bonny Council of Chiefs, the CTC Chairman and the entire members of CAN for organizing this year 9th edition of Bonny Annual Prayer Summit.
Pepple noted that the importance of the prayer will not be over emphasised since its inception in 2005. He lauded all clergy men and good people of Bonny for their immense turn out to honour the prayer summit.
Pepple as well thanked all sub-committee members for their faithfulness in making the occasion a success.
By David Hart
