EXTRA: We wrestled against powers, principalities, says Akwa Ibom gov

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom state, says that he wrestled not against human flesh but what he described as ‘powers and principalities’ during the just concluded governorship election in the state.

Emmanuel made this statement during a thanksgiving service to celebrate his reelection as the governor of the state at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo, the state capital, on Friday.

The governor also said that although those he described as strong forces were against the state, but God rescued the state by granting him victory at the polls.

“This battle wasn’t about the flesh. We were not wrestling against the flesh but powers and principalities but God gave us victory,” said Emmanuel.

“God used this victory to show that His redemption on the cross was not in vain. God used this victory to defend the church…his name.

“At a point, it seemed as if we were almost overwhelmed but God gave us victory. God used the Akwa-Ibom people to show his victory. I have never seen where the people showed love like they did for our governments. Our pledge is that we will continue to serve you God almighty, we will not place your interest above the interest of the common man.

“Every strength, might, wisdom, power that God has given us, we will deploy them to work for the state. I want to thank God for not putting us to shame.

“God has given life to Akwa Ibom state. This is a new beginning for the state. No man shall be able to stop what God has destined for Akwa Ibom state. No man can and no strength can cover Emmanuel. I subdue any altar, man, force against Akwa Ibom state.”

The governor also thanked all those who played various roles in his emergence, those who voted, coordinated, and gave support in their various capacities.

He pledged that his administration would continue to serve both God and the people with strength and vigour.