President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the passing of Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Sunday Mbang.
The clergyman died on Tuesday at the age of 86.
According to a statement on Wednesday, signed by Femi Adesina, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari ommiserated with all Methodists in Nigeria and the Diaspora on the passing of Dr. Mbang.
Buhari also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Mbang family, the government and people of Akwa Ibom state and the entire body of Christ in Nigeria and worldwide.
He noted that the late Mbang “was indeed a spiritual colossus beyond the shores of his fatherland.”
The president acknowledged the deceased as the longest leader of the church, the first Methodist President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and the first Black President of the World Methodist Council, among other pioneering positions.
“Having retired as prelate in 2006, Mbang, until his transition at 86, remained an invaluable voice of reason and source of encouragement to many within and outside government, especially in his home state, Akwa Ibom,” he said.